PAK vs SA: Fans express discontent over Babar Azam's dot ball percentage despite his 50

During Match 26 of the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023, Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, reached a half-century before departing. Despite his fifty against the red-hot South African team, fans voiced their discontent, particularly regarding his style of play and dot-ball percentage.

After winning the toss, Babar opted to bat first at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Pakistan lost key wickets at intervals, but the skipper managed partnerships with Mohammad Rizwan (31) and Iftikhar Ahmed (21) on his way to his half-century. However, fans expressed disappointment with the way Babar was dismissed by the Proteas bowler.

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The crucial moment came when Babar attempted a lap sweep to a tossed-up leg delivery. Unfortunately, he got a glove on the ball, leading to a sharp catch by Quinton de Kock behind the wickets. De Kock convinced captain Temba Bavuma to review the onfield decision. The review favoured South Africa as replays confirmed a slight glove on the ball, marking the end of Babar's knock.

As Babar departed and his score flashed on the screen, fans were surprised to see the high number of dot balls he had faced. Of the 66 balls he played, 36 were dot balls.

In the match, Marco Jansen initially stifled the Pakistani batsmen, dismissing openers Abdullah Shafique (9) and Imam-ul-Haq (12). While Babar and Rizwan were building a promising partnership, Gerald Coetzee dismissed Rizwan in the 16th over. Pakistan also lost Iftikhar Ahmed, and Babar was dismissed while attempting to scoop Shamsi shortly after reaching his half-century.

At the time of writing this article, Pakistan had completed 38 overs and managed to post 214 runs on the board after losing five wickets. Shadab Khan and Saud Shakeel were in the middle, with a dangerous partnership of over 70 runs, aiming to push the total beyond 300.