Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith has said he has no concerns over Babar Azam’s form, despite the former captain scoring 118 runs in four innings without a half-century in the ODI tri-series. Mike Smith backs Babar Azam on the evidence of how he is striking the ball, not on the scores alone, and he expects a big innings soon.
Babar was Pakistan’s top scorer with 29 runs on Tuesday, when the hosts were bowled out for just 110 by Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sri Lanka won by eight wickets, handing Pakistan their first defeat of the tournament.
Mike Smith backs Babar Azam: getting set is the hard part
Smith argued that Babar has made starts in each outing but has not converted them into substantial scores. That, he said, is not a cause for concern.
“It is definitely not a cause for concern. The hardest part of batting in cricket is getting established at the crease, and Babar is doing that effortlessly. Had he converted one of those solid starts into a substantial century, this would not even be a topic of discussion,” Smith said.
“That is the nature of elite international sport, you cannot deliver a peak performance every single time. Those who truly understand the game can see how well he is striking the ball. We have zero doubt that a big score is imminent, and when it comes, it will be magnificent to watch,” he added.
The numbers behind the debate are plain. Babar has 118 runs in four innings in the series, and his 29 on Tuesday was the best Pakistan could manage in a collapse covered in Pakistan bowled out for 110 by Sri Lanka. He has also slipped in the ICC ODI rankings, dropping to ninth, as reported in Shadab, Arafat surge in ICC ODI rankings.
Tuesday’s defeat will not decide the final
Pakistan’s batting struggles on Tuesday were compounded by Sri Lanka left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka, who claimed five wickets. He troubled the hosts with the new ball before returning later in the innings to complete a damaging spell, helping Sri Lanka chase the target with ease.
Smith, however, played down the result. He believes the defeat will have little bearing on Saturday’s final, stressing that the outcome will depend on which side handles pressure and carries out its plans better on the day.
“That defeat will have no bearing whatsoever on the final. In a tri-series of this calibre against quality opposition, very few teams remain undefeated throughout. A setback at some point is expected. Losing the game leading into the final changes nothing,” Smith said.
“Ultimately, a final comes down to whichever team handles the pressure best on the day and executes under strain to lift the trophy,” he concluded.
What happens next
Pakistan face Sri Lanka again in Saturday’s final, and Babar’s form will be under scrutiny from the first over. A substantial score from him would settle the debate at once and ease the pressure on a batting line-up that folded for 110 in its last outing.
If he fails again, the questions will grow louder, whatever the coaching staff say. But Smith’s point stands on its own terms: Babar is reaching starts, and in a one-off final, one converted start can decide a trophy.
Frequently asked questions
How many runs has Babar Azam scored in the tri-series?
He has scored 118 runs in four innings, without a half-century. His 29 against Sri Lanka on Tuesday was Pakistan’s top score in a total of 110.
What did Mike Smith say about Babar’s form?
Smith said it is definitely not a cause for concern, that getting established at the crease is the hardest part of batting and Babar is doing that effortlessly, and that a big score is imminent.
Who caused Pakistan’s collapse on Tuesday?
Sri Lanka left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka took five wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in 25.3 overs.
When is the tri-series final?
The final is on Saturday, October 31, between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
