Pakistan’s horror chase sees former skipper Babar fall for just 1; fans troll with “missed century by 99 runs” jibe.
April 2, 2025: Pakistan’s second ODI against New Zealand turned into a nightmare as their chase of 293 unraveled spectacularly. The visitors were left shell-shocked at 32/5 in just 11.4 overs, with former captain Babar Azam falling for a mere 1 run, igniting a storm of criticism and memes online.
The collapse began early, with New Zealand’s pacers breathing fire from ball one. Jacob Duffy led the charge, producing a peach that moved sharply off a back-of-a-length spot to nick off Babar — a moment that drew heavy flak on social media. One fan quipped, “Babar missed a century by 99 runs today,” summing up the mood of frustrated supporters.
#BabarAzam𓃵 missed the great century by just 99 runs. Babar was playing so good. It was just a great batmanship by king 👑 Babar #PAKvsNZ #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/SAwEMxylYm
— Observer (@Mike8sttvMike) April 2, 2025
Since 2022, Babar Azam averages just 26 in tournaments (Asia Cup and World Cup). Even if we exclude his T20 numbers, his numbers barely improves averaging 35 at a strike rate of 86.He hasn’t been Pakistan’s top scorer in any of the last three ODI tournaments. A serial bottler who… pic.twitter.com/6LmBA3R9Ui
— Cricket & Stuff (@cricketandstuff) April 2, 2025
Unlucky Babar got unplayable ball again. Good night again.
— Usama Zafar (@Usama7) April 2, 2025
Babar’s Lean Patch Continues
Walking in at 7/1 after Imam-ul-Haq’s dismissal, Babar was expected to steady the ship. Instead, he lasted just four balls. Duffy’s 135.1 kmph delivery outside off stump drew Babar into a tentative poke, and a thin edge carried safely to second slip.
Also Read: Kamran Akmal Slams Pakistan’s “Shameful” T20I Loss, Urges Merit-Based Approach Like India
This dismissal adds to Babar’s worrying run of low scores, raising questions about his form and future role in the squad.
Wickets Fall Like Dominoes
Pakistan continued to slide, with Tayyab Tahir (13) and Mohammad Wasim Jr. (1) offering little resistance. At the halfway stage of the innings, the scoreboard read a grim 97/7, all but ending hopes of a miraculous comeback.
Kiwi Brilliance With The Bat
Earlier in the day, Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 had powered New Zealand to 292/8. His 78-ball knock included seven sixes and seven fours, anchoring the innings brilliantly after a mid-innings wobble. Pakistan’s Sufiyan Muqeem impressed with the ball, returning 2/33, while Wasim Jr. also picked up two wickets.
But it was all in vain, as Pakistan’s fragile top order once again failed to deliver.
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Babar Azam, Pakistan vs New Zealand, ODI collapse, Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Hay, NZ vs PAK, cricket memes, Babar form, cricket news, HT Sports, Pakistan batting collapse, second ODI 2025, New Zealand cricket, Pakistan cricket team, cricket fan reactions