February 22, New Delhi Rashid Latif, a former batter for Pakistan, criticized former captain Babar Azam for his tactics during the Champions Trophy opening against New Zealand in Karachi, where the hosts lost by 60 runs on the ICC tournament’s first visit to the nation since 1996.

Even though Salman Agha and Kushdil Shah hit fast-paced 42 and 69, respectively, while Babar added 64 in 90 balls while chasing 321, the team was unable to win the tournament opener.

Concerns about Babar’s low strike rate in the high-scoring chase were voiced by Pakistani supporters and veteran cricket players after the game. Latif said that the criticism was justified and that Babar ought to have taken chances when he was at the crease.

“I believe that Babar Azam is receiving fair criticism. You should have a backup plan in case the ball does not come onto the bat. You put more pressure on the squad if you continue to rack up the dot balls. Babar ought to have taken more chances; in my opinion, the first ten overs were meant to be risky since they find it difficult to play freely against spin. “Babar’s batting has become predictable, despite the perception that Pakistan has been unpredictable,” Latif told IANS.

The former wicketkeeper-batter went on to say that Babar is no longer Pakistan’s best chance, citing Virat Kohli as an example who gained international acclaim for his clutch scoring for India.

“Bowlers always know which ball he will hit with which shot.” Although there are now other players who can perform (better), Babar was once Pakistan’s best chance. There are Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, and KL Rahul, but Virat Kohli is a big game player who also played a vital innings in the T20 World Cup final in 2024. If he is not playing on a certain day, Shubman Gill will, and if he is not, Rohit will be there,” he said.

Latif said that the Mohammad Rizwan-led team seems weaker against Rohit Sharma & Co. before of Sunday’s crucial match between India and Pakistan in Dubai.

“Pakistan’s team seems poor when comparing the two squads. The game used to go to the very last overs, despite the fact that India’s record versus Pakistan has been better. People often believe that India’s batting has won them championships, but Pakistan’s bowling has always been the key to their success,” he stated.

“For Pakistan, this game is crucial. I am not only concerned about the Champions Trophy; I am also concerned about Pakistan cricket because, although a lot was written and said in the lead-up to the tournament (about India’s involvement), it was all off the field. Now that cricket has begun, Pakistan lost their opening match while India won. There are fewer margins of error in a competition like CT when every squad is a top side. In 2017, Pakistan had also lost their first match.

Despite pace-spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, the seasoned hitter further expanded India’s bowling arsenal.

Latif said, “I think India’s bowling is better right now. I know Jasprit Bumrah isn’t here, but their spinners are dominating, and Pakistan will find it difficult to handle their spin attack in conditions like Dubai.”