Retirement calls grow louder for Babar Azam after another flop show in PAK vs SA; ‘he should retire from ODIs or else…’

Retirement calls grew louder for Babar Azam after the Pakistan batter extended his century drought in ODIs to 81 innings on Thursday in the second game against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The last time Babar scored hundred in a 50-over game was back in 2023, when he smashed 151 against Nepal in Multan.

On Thursday, opting to bat first in the second ODI against South Africa, Pakistan had the worst possible start, losing Fakhar Zaman in the third ball of the match. Coming in at no.3, Babar played 13 balls for his 11 before an unplayable delivery from Nandre Burger brought his downfall.

In fact, Babar's score in his last four ODI innings reach Babar Azam’s last four ODI innings 0, 9, 7 and 11. His last fifty in an ODI came New Zealand in April in Mount Maunganui. Babar's early dismissal didn't go well for his fans, who took to social media to vent their frustration.

The dismissal of Babar came at a crucial phase of Pakistan's innings. With Zaman back in the hut, Babar needed to stay in the middle to build the innings with Saim Ayub.

Despite the trolls, Babar remains one of the reliable and technically sound batters for the Men in Green. With one more ODI to go, fans will hope that the stylish right-hander returns to form as quickly as possible.

Earlier, Pakistan made two changes after chasing down 264 in the first ODI on Tuesday. Allrounder Faheem Ashraf replaced struggling middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz and fast bowler Mohammad Wasim replaced leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. South Africa left out fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams and drafted in Nqabayomzi Peter and Nandre Burger.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (captain), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger.