- Babar Azam encounters a traffic rule violation while his car’s number plates are scrutinized.
- Babar’s return contributes to Pakistan’s victory against New Zealand, while Fakhar Zaman impresses with remarkable performances.
- Concerns persist regarding Pakistan’s middle order, and the bowlers deliver exceptional performances.
- Spinners need improvement before the ODI World Cup in India.
Pakistan cricket captain, Babar Azam, found himself in an unexpected encounter with the excise department officers on Friday, May 19, who suspected him of violating traffic rules. The officers noticed that the numbers on his car’s plate were unusually small and did not comply with the standard size regulations set by the government.
Following this, Babar was asked to change his number plate, and the officers also verified his documentation, including vehicle registration and taxes. Surprisingly, the officers took selfies with the cricket star, and the pictures quickly went viral on social media.
On the cricketing front, Babar Azam made a remarkable comeback to Pakistan’s squad for the recent white-ball series against New Zealand after a brief hiatus.
Leading the team, Babar guided the Men in Green to a resounding 4-1 victory in the ODI series against the Kiwis, finishing as the fourth-leading run-scorer of the series with 276 runs in five matches. Opener Fakhar Zaman stole the limelight with two centuries and a total of 363 runs, boosting Pakistan’s confidence ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.
However, concerns arise regarding the middle order, as Mohammed Rizwan’s performance appeared average during the recent series, and Agha Salman lacks experience. This area demands improvement before the global tournament.
On the bright side, bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf shone once again, with Shaheen showcasing notable development in his batting skills. With the ball, he has proven to be one of the best in white-ball cricket lately.
Looking ahead to the ODI World Cup, Pakistan’s spinners must enhance their skills as they lack quality spinners who can create a significant impact in Indian conditions. With a few months remaining until the marquee tournament, Pakistan still has time to unearth a gem in the spin bowling department.
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