In a surprising turn of events during the first ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Hambantota, star cricketer Babar Azam faced an unexpected setback.
On Tuesday, Babar faced a rare three-ball duck, marking the first instance since 2021 that he failed to secure a single run in an ODI match. This marked the 16th occasion in his illustrious international career where he departed the crease without adding any runs to the scoreboard.
Taking to the pitch at the third batting position, Babar aimed to steady the ship after opener Fakhar Zaman fell for a mere 2 runs in the very first over, courtesy of Fazalhaq Farooqi’s delivery. However, the Pakistani cricketer faced a formidable challenge from spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the second over.
Falling victim to a deceptive delivery that turned in and narrowly beat his inside edge, Babar found himself trapped in front of the stumps. The appeal for LBW was upheld by the on-field umpire, prompting Babar to review the decision in hopes of a reprieve.
Unfortunately for Babar, the ball-tracking technology validated the on-field call, indicating that the delivery would indeed have struck the stumps. With this, Babar’s innings came to a swift and unexpected end, leaving Pakistan reeling at a precarious score of 7/2. As the match progressed, Pakistan faced further struggles, finding themselves at 62/4 after 16.3 overs.
The outcome served as a reminder that even the most accomplished cricketers encounter challenging moments on the field. Babar’s dismissal highlighted the unpredictable nature of the sport, where skill and determination must constantly be tested against the prowess of the opposition.
WATCH: Babar Azam Records His 16th International Career Duck
As the series between Pakistan and Afghanistan unfolds, fans around the world will be watching closely to witness how both teams navigate the dynamic ebb and flow of cricket.