ODI World Cup 2023: Babar Azam faces backlash as Pakistan's batting falters against Netherlands

In the second match of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan encountered an uncertain beginning in their clash against the Netherlands. After Dutch captain Scott Edwards won the toss and chose to bowl first at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Pakistan lost key batsmen Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq within the first 10 overs. 

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Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 12 runs, followed by Babar Azam, who departed after scoring 5, and shortly thereafter, Imam-ul-Haq was sent back to the pavilion with 15 runs to his name. 

This top-order collapse prompted significant criticism of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, with, many questioning how he could be the next big thing after Virat Kohli.

At the time of writing this article, Pakistan had completed 14 overs, scoring 72 runs while losing three wickets. Netherlands had opportunities to claim additional wickets but dropped catches provided a lifeline to the Men in Green batters. Saud Shakeel (16) and Mohammad Rizwan (22) are trying to build a partnership.