At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, October 27, the 26th match of the ICC World Cup 2023 took place in a flurry of cricketing excitement. Pakistan‘s captain, Babar Azam, was put in a difficult position, and his irritation with teammate Mohammad Nawaz was on full display. Nawaz’s decision to give a boundary to Keshav Maharaj changed the complexion of the game and contributed to his dissatisfaction.
Pakistan needed a win to end a losing trend, hence this game had great significance for them. After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the Babar Azam-led squad set a target of 271 runs. But Aiden Markram and the Proteas squad had other ideas. South Africa’s chase was anchored by Aiden Markram’s brilliant effort, in which he scored 91 runs.
South Africa remained a tough opponent despite the fact that Pakistani bowlers were scooping up wickets at regular intervals. They batted till they were 260 for 9 after 45. 3 overs, putting Pakistan in a tough position with two late-inning batsmen still on the pitch. The outcome of the game was uncertain, and the atmosphere was tense.
At a critical juncture in the game, Babar Azam made a choice that would come to symbolise his dissatisfaction. South Africa needed just five runs to win, but Azam gave Mohammad Nawaz the ball instead of Usama Mir. It was a move that made people take notice and was sure to spark debate.
Nawaz’s second delivery of the over was a down-the-leg side delivery. Keshav Maharaj took advantage of the opening and sent this ball soaring over square leg for four. As the Proteas inched closer to their aim, Babar Azam became visibly agitated.
Azam’s pent-up anger was shown after the game. Azam told Mohammad Nawaz face-to-face that he wasn’t happy with the way he bowled in that key over. The tremendous stakes and pressure at play in international cricket were evident in their passionate debate.
Regarding Pakistan’s overall performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, this event marks a watershed moment. It shows how much captains like Babar Azam are under the microscope at a time of intense competitiveness.
[VIDEO] Babar Azam Gets Irritated With Mohammed Nawaz After South Africa’s Win
Babar Azam in 2021 T20 WC – Nobody should point out finger at one person this should not happen, not in this team…specially Nawaz.
Babar Azam today#PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/pnnSiSjyNn
— The Right Wing Guy (@T_R_W_G) October 27, 2023