Champions Trophy: R Ashwin Mercilessly Trolls Babar Azam, Calls Him “Tortoise”

Pakistan’s Conservative Approach Backfires in 60-Run Defeat, Raising Concerns Ahead of India Clash

February 20, 2025: Karachi: Pakistan suffered a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener, with Babar Azam’s sluggish 64 off 90 balls drawing sharp criticism. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin compared Babar’s innings to the “Tortoise and Rabbit” fable, highlighting Pakistan’s ultra-defensive approach in a steep chase of 321.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Hosts Pakistan Loose Opening Match Against New Zealand by 60 Runs

Pakistan’s Struggles in the Run Chase

• First 10 overs: 22/2 (Babar Azam 12* off 27, Mohammad Rizwan 3* off 14)
• First 20 overs: 66/2 (Fakhar Zaman joins Babar after Rizwan’s dismissal)
• Pakistan’s 100-run mark: 27.1 overs
• Babar’s 50: Off 81 balls (PAK 127/4 in 30.4 overs)
• Babar’s Dismissal: 64 off 90 balls (PAK 153/6 in 34 overs)

Also Read: Champions Trophy: “Tantrums Just Don’t End”: Saqlain Mushtaq Slams India Amid Row

Key Moments of the Match

✅ NZ Domination: New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke (3/47) and Mitchell Santner (3/66), put Pakistan under constant pressure.
✅ Slow Batting Hurts Pakistan: Pakistan was 8/1 after 3.4 overs, 22/2 after 10 overs, and 66/2 after 20 overs, effectively making the chase impossible.
✅ Late Acceleration: Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Haris Rauf (19 off 10) added fireworks, but the damage was already done.
✅ Final Collapse: Pakistan was all out for 260 in 47.2 overs, handing New Zealand an easy 60-run win.

R Ashwin & Cricket World React to Babar’s Knock

Also Read: “Shami & Kuldeep Are Ready, Hope They Find Their Rhythm” – Rohit Sharma Ahead of Champions Trophy Opener

🗣️ Ravichandran Ashwin: “Babar Azam’s innings reminded me of the ‘Tortoise and Rabbit’ story. In modern-day cricket, you cannot afford to bat like this while chasing 321.”

What’s Next for Pakistan?

🚨 Must-Win Match Against India: After this demoralizing loss, Pakistan faces arch-rivals India in a virtual knockout game.
🚨 Tactical Rethink Needed: Pakistan’s conservative batting strategy is under scrutiny, with experts urging aggressive intent in powerplays.

📌 Can Pakistan bounce back against India, or will their Champions Trophy campaign end early? Stay tuned for updates!

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PAKvsNZ, ChampionsTrophy2025, BabarAzam, RAshwin, PakistanCricket, NewZealandCricket, CricketLive, CricketUpdates, KhushdilShah, MitchellSantner