A Short Stay at the Crease
Fans had been eagerly waiting to see Babar back in action. After missing Pakistan’s recent T20 outings since December 2024, his comeback brought excitement and high hopes. However, it lasted only two balls.
Facing South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch, Babar misjudged a pacy length delivery in the sixth over. Instead of timing it cleanly, he miscued his shot straight to Reeza Hendricks at cover, who completed a comfortable catch. The Rawalpindi crowd, who had gathered to cheer their hero, fell silent in disbelief. The skipper’s expression said it all — disappointment mixed with frustration.
It was a moment that perfectly captured the unpredictability of cricket — one day you’re a hero, and the next, the villain.
Social Media Turns Against Babar
Babar Azam’s early dismissal didn’t sit well with fans online. Social media platforms were flooded with memes, sarcastic remarks, and harsh criticism. Many users compared his performance to his previous T20 struggles, while others questioned his form and mindset.
While trolling has unfortunately become a common part of modern cricket culture, it was evident that fans expected much more from a player of Babar’s caliber. Some even went as far as calling for him to be dropped from future T20s if his form doesn’t improve.
Still, a few loyal supporters came to his defense, reminding critics of his past achievements. They pointed out that even greats like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson have endured rough patches and that one bad game doesn’t define a player’s career.
The Costly Drop in the Field
Babar’s tough night didn’t end with his dismissal. Later in the match, he dropped a crucial catch that proved expensive for Pakistan. In the 17th over of South Africa’s innings, George Linde mistimed a shot off Shaheen Afridi, sending the ball high towards long-on where Babar was positioned. He ran in and seemed to have it covered, but the ball slipped right through his hands.
That dropped chance allowed Linde to continue his onslaught, eventually scoring 36 off just 22 balls. His quick runs pushed South Africa’s total to a challenging 194/9 in their allotted 20 overs — a score that ultimately proved beyond Pakistan’s reach.
A Night to Forget
For Babar Azam, the match was one to forget — a combination of a batting failure and a costly fielding error. But beyond the numbers, it highlighted the immense pressure that Pakistan’s star players face whenever they take the field, especially on home soil.
As one of the biggest names in world cricket, every move Babar makes is scrutinized. When he performs, he’s celebrated like a hero; when he fails, criticism comes fast and hard. That’s the double-edged sword of fame in the cricketing world.
Pakistan’s Struggles in the Match
Pakistan’s innings, chasing 195, never really took off. The early dismissal of Babar added pressure on the top order. Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan tried to stabilize the innings, but the South African bowlers, led by Bosch and Lungi Ngidi, kept things tight.
The middle order showed flashes of resistance, particularly from Salman Agha, who captained the side, and Usman Khan, the wicketkeeper-batter. However, regular wickets ensured Pakistan could not maintain momentum, and they fell short of the target despite some late hitting from the lower order.
On the bowling front, Pakistan had a mixed outing. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah bowled with heart, but South Africa’s batters, including Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, and Tony de Zorzi, kept finding gaps and boundaries. Their aggressive intent set the tone early, helping the visitors post an imposing total.
South Africa’s Commanding Performance
South Africa’s performance in Rawalpindi was nothing short of impressive. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, their aggressive batting approach kept Pakistan’s bowlers on the defensive.
George Linde’s late flourish was particularly crucial. His 36 off 22 balls not only boosted South Africa’s total but also demoralized Pakistan’s fielders. Earlier, Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks provided a solid start, while Dewald Brevis, often called “Baby AB,” added flair in the middle overs.
On the bowling side, Corbin Bosch emerged as the standout performer, claiming key wickets including that of Babar Azam. His pace and accuracy made life difficult for Pakistan’s batters, and he was well supported by Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi, who both used the Rawalpindi pitch to great effect.
Babar Azam’s Comeback Story: A Work in Progress
Cricket fans know that Babar Azam is too good a player to be written off after one poor outing. The elegant right-hander has built his reputation on consistency, class, and composure. Over the years, he has anchored Pakistan’s batting in all formats and earned comparisons with some of the game’s greats.
Yet, his recent form — especially in T20Is — has been under the microscope. Since late 2024, Babar’s strike rate and intent have been subjects of debate among analysts and fans. Many have urged him to adapt his approach to modern T20 demands, where aggression and innovation often outweigh traditional technique.
This match, though disappointing, could serve as a reminder to Babar to recalibrate his T20 game. Sometimes, even world-class players need a setback to reignite their hunger and focus.
Support from the Cricketing Fraternity
While fans online were quick to mock Babar, several former players and commentators came out in his defense. They emphasized that great players often face rough starts when returning from a break and that form is temporary but class is permanent.
A former Pakistan cricketer remarked during a post-match show, “Babar is a champion. One bad day doesn’t change that. What he needs right now is support, not trolling. He’s the kind of player who learns fast, and I’m sure he’ll bounce back stronger in the next game.”
That sentiment was echoed by fans who remembered how Babar had previously silenced critics — with centuries under pressure and match-winning innings on big stages.
Lessons and Looking Ahead
Pakistan will hope to regroup quickly for the remaining matches of the series. The team has shown flashes of brilliance but continues to struggle with consistency — especially in the batting department. With players like Saim Ayub and Usman Khan showing promise, Pakistan needs to find the right combination and mindset to succeed in the shortest format.
For Babar, the road ahead is clear: tune out the noise, work on the flaws, and rediscover the rhythm that made him one of the most reliable batters in world cricket. He has done it before, and there’s no reason he can’t do it again.
Cricket is, after all, a game of resilience. Many greats have stumbled before rising higher than ever — and Babar Azam has both the talent and determination to script his comeback.
A Reminder of the Pressure of Expectations
The Rawalpindi match served as a stark reminder of how quickly opinions can shift in cricket. Fans adore their heroes when they succeed, but the same adoration can turn into harsh judgment after a single failure. For players like Babar, who carry the hopes of millions, the mental strain can be immense.
But true champions aren’t defined by their bad days — they’re defined by how they respond to them. If history is any indication, Babar Azam will see this as motivation rather than defeat.
Final Thoughts
Babar Azam’s return to T20I cricket didn’t go as planned — a duck with the bat, a dropped catch in the field, and a flood of criticism online. Yet, cricket fans know that form is fleeting, and greatness is built on persistence.
Babar has been Pakistan’s batting backbone for years, guiding the team through ups and downs with elegance and class. While this game was a setback, it’s far from the end. Every champion faces rough days, and this could very well be the spark that reignites his best form.
As Pakistan and South Africa move deeper into the series, all eyes will once again be on Babar Azam — not to see if he can fail, but to see how he rises.
