Michael Vaughan Criticizes Babar Azam, Says ‘He Probably Wouldn’t Make India’s, England’s, Or Australia’s T20 Teams’
Under Babar Azam, Pakistan slumped to their new low when they lost to USA in T20 World Cup 2024.
New Delhi: Former England captain Michael Vaughan raised questions on Pakistan’s white-ball credentials after their T20 World Cup 2024 group-stage exit on Friday. Vaughan also placed question marks over the range of talent of skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan after the senior duo failed to perform in multiple outings.
Pakistan needed Ireland to defeat the USA to stay alive in the race to qualify for the Super 8 stage. However, persistent precipitation washed out the tie in Florida, Pushing USA through to their maiden Super 8 spot along with India from Group A. Pakistan eventually had to pay the price for a Super Over defeat by the hands of the USA and a nervy defeat to India earlier in the tournament.
“They can’t blame the weather. They should have beaten USA and India. If they did, they would have been through to the Super 8s. I just don’t see Pakistan at the moment as a great white-ball team. Even when they went to the final in the last (T20) World Cup, I didn’t think they were a great side. They just did what Pakistan do. I’ve said earlier that they should have won that game against England,” Vaughan was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.
Vaughan was severely critical on Babar’s T20I batting and uncertain if he would make the cut for other leading sides around the world. “I don’t think they have the skill set of what I’ve seen in the past from Pakistan cricket in T20 cricket. I honestly don’t think they’ve got many great T20 players. Babar Azam is exceptional, but would he make England’s, Australia’s, India’s, or the West Indies’ T20 teams? Probably not,” added the cricketer-turned-pundit.
In the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar managed to only 91 runs across three matches at a strike rate of 104.65, while Rizwan accumulated 93 runs with a strike rate of 88.57. Vaughan also commented that Pakistan lacked the mental resilience required to defeat India in high-pressure games. Pakistan has now lost seven out of their eight encounters against India in T20 World Cups.
“Mentally, they have no clue how to beat India. That’s true. I could see it in the chase. They should have absolutely strolled that game. There’s only one winner because India knows how to win and they have the mentality to get over the line, and for whatever reason, Pakistan just doesn’t seem to have that kind of swagger,” Vaughan said.