Disappointed Pakistan cricket fans once again expressed their animosity toward Babar Azam’s approach with the bat in the opening T20I contest against Australia held in their backyard. The hosts registered a comfortable win against the Aussies as all-rounder Saim Ayub starred with the bat with a 22-ball 40 in a 22-run victory over the travelling team. Chasing Pakistan’s 168/8, Australia could only manage 146/8 in their 20 overs in the first T20I match held in Lahore. Pakistan spinners were the highlight of the evening, scalping a combined six wickets among themselves.
Ayub’s 2/29 (3 overs), along with his swift 40 (22), earned him the Player of the Match. A moment to rejoice, Pakistan cricket fans marched to X to convey their displeasure towards
Babar.
“Electrifying Performance”
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif was quite content with his team’s triumph over the tourists. Mr Sharif congratulated the PCB chairman and called the win a “proud moment” for the nation.
“Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB @MohsinnaqviC42 and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation,” he tweeted.
Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra, however, took a swipe at the Pakistani Prime Minister for celebrating a victory over “Australia’s B team”.
“With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’.”
With due respect…it’s a bilateral T20i against Australia’s B team. Many main players have given it a miss. And a 20-run win in a 170 run game can’t possibly qualify as ‘electrifying’ 🫣 https://t.co/allr7esAbr
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 30, 2026
Babar Azam In Limelight
While Ayub’s quickfire 40 and Salman Agha’s 27-ball 39 helped Pakistan reach a defendable score of 168/8, it was Babar’s 24 off 20 that left the local fans frustrated and yearning for more.
The out-of-form batter, who has been toiling hard in the nets ever since returning from his forgettable stint in the BBL, struck at a strike rate of 120 that was widely criticised on X.
Babar Azam once again proved why he shouldn’t be in any t20 side let alone pakistan cricket team worse part he’s not even trying to improve & show any intent
— Osama. (@ashaqeens) January 29, 2026
Playing anchor at 4 is fkn pathetic
Babar is a shameless player simply he's not capable enough but mgmt is even more darphook they continue to play him at the cost of Pak team
He should be kicked out of Pak team you can't carry this liability into the WC fgs bench Babar in WC pic.twitter.com/Yc2Vbd1GKr
— Lahori Guy (@YrrrFahad_) January 29, 2026
“24 of 20 balls,Babar Azam has no sense of t20 game (sic),” remarked a third.
Well played Babar on this tricky surface against world class bowling attack.
— Abdullah (@michaelscottfc) January 29, 2026
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Babar's first attacking shot came on the 10th ball & he then scored 20 off 10 before getting out. THIS IS EXACTLY WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES. The pitch became slow as the innings progressed but you cannot be 4(9) no matter how the deck is. He has to change it ASAP.
— S A A D 🇵🇰 (@SaadSays56) January 29, 2026
Babar Azam Smashes Shaheen Afridi For 20 Runs
In a fiery display with the bat that has become a rarity for Babar these days, the 31-year-old smoked Pakistan’s premium bowler Shaheen Afridi for 20 runs inside an over. Facing Afridi, Babar smacked 6, 4, 6, 1, 4.
This, however, came during a practice match. Cricket viewers assembled in large numbers to once again batter Babar online.
“Babar Azam is the greatest player in nets,” mocked a cricket fan on X.
Babar Azam smashed 6,4,6,1,4 against Shaheen Afridi in scenario based practice match. 🔥
— Salman. (@TsMeSalman) January 26, 2026
BBL 15: A League To Forget
Picked by the Sydney Sixers ahead of the BBL 15, Babar pretty much became the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. The Pakistan batter ended the tournament with 202 runs in 11 matches while striking at 103. That strike rate was the lowest for any batter who scored a minimum of 200 in the BBL history. His annoyance at Steve Smith for denying him a single also became a topic of discourse on social media.
Also Read: Babar Azam Trends Again On X: Why Pakistan Batter Is Getting Battered In BBL
But even before the league could finish, Babar was called back by the PCB to focus on the bilateral series against Australia. Several online theories emerged during this haphazard exit as cricket voices and viewers suspected that the Pakistan cricketer was only summoned to his country to save the hero’s face before being dropped by the Sydney Sixers for his poor performance.
Babar has secured a spot in the 15-man squad ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf were left out.
