Babar Azam Slammed As Pakistan Crumbles To 32/5 In ODI Collapse Against New Zealand

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.

Also Read: Basit Ali Slams ‘Professors’ For Backing Babar Azam As Opener After Pakistan’s Loss To New Zealand

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.

Also Read: Mark Chapman’s Century, Nathan Smith’s 4-Wicket Haul Guide New Zealand To 73-Run Victory Over Pakistan In First ODI

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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