Cricket fans were left stunned on Friday when Babar Azam recorded another unwanted milestone in his T20 international career. During the opening match of the tri-series against Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi, the star batter was dismissed for a duck his ninth in the format pushing him past Shahid Afridi on Pakistan’s list of most zero-run dismissals.
Babar, widely admired for his elegance and reliability at the crease, lasted only three deliveries. Zimbabwe’s pacer Brad Evans surprised him with a sharp delivery that ended his innings before it could begin, leaving the crowd in disbelief. Supporters who were hoping for a dominant start from the former captain watched him walk back quietly, clearly disappointed.
Despite the setback, Babar’s overall T20 achievements remain exceptional. He is Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in the format and has repeatedly delivered match-winning performances over the years. However, this new statistic adds an unexpected twist to his otherwise remarkable career and one no top batter ever wants associated with their name.
Cricket analysts were quick to defend the right-hander, reminding fans that T20 cricket demands risk-taking and leaves little room for error. A single misjudgment can turn into a wicket, even for world-class players.
Babar’s supporters remain optimistic. With several matches still left in the tri-series, they believe he will bounce back strongly, as he has done many times before. For now, all eyes are on his next outing a chance for him to turn the page and return to the consistency that has defined his career.
