Mohammad Rizwan: “Like the nation, I always expect Babar to score big runs. There is pressure on Babar too to score runs, but I am hopeful that he will soon make a big score”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan limited overs captain Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that he expects batsman Babar Azam “to score big runs”.
Rizwan added that “there is pressure” on the 30-year-old to deliver as he has struggled to do well over the last few months.
During the recent ODI tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, Azam opened the batting and amassed 62 runs in three matches at an average of 20.66.
However, he did a lot better in the opening game of the 2025 Champions Trophy against New Zealand, making 64 runs off 90 balls, which included six boundaries and a six.
Having shown encouraging signs in the first game against the Black Caps, Rizwan is hopeful that Azam will make a huge score at some point in the tournament.
“Like the nation, I always expect Babar to score big runs. There is pressure on Babar too to score runs, but I am hopeful that he will soon make a big score,” he was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
Pakistan’s next Champions Trophy match will be against India on February 23 in Dubai.
Pakistan Squad for 2025 Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah