The cricketing world is abuzz with the reactions that follow Pakistandisappointing start against West Indies in the first Test match in Multan. After a promising series against South Africaexpectations were high Babar Azam and his team. However, the day unfolded with frustration as Babar’s early dismissal left fans and critics alike questioning his decisions on the field.
A disheartening dismissal for Babar Azam
Babar’s dismissal on just 8 runs came as a shock to many. Facing the West Indian pacer Jayden SealesBabar was caught by a beautifully executed out-swinger which he pitched outside the off-stump and bit back, catching the outside edge. His failure to move his feet and react appropriately to the delivery left him stunned, and he returned to the pavilion visibly shaken. This moment was not only a personal setback for Babar, but also a significant blow to Pakistan’s innings, which was struggling under the pressure of the West Indies bowlers.
West Indies take over in Multan
The Multan pitch, which was initially expected to favor spin bowlers, turned out to be a playground for the West Indian pace attack. Seales proved to be an outstanding player, claiming three crucial wickets and throwing Pakistan on the back foot early in his innings. Conditions were challenging, with fog delaying the start of the game, but Seales took advantage of the situation effectively. His performance not only showcased his skill but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s batting.
READ ALSO: Kamran Akmal picks his Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Saim Ayub finds a place
Trolls appear after Babar’s failure
As Babar made his way back to the dressing room, he encountered a bunch of jeering fans who had come to watch their team perform. Social media quickly became a battleground for opinions, with many fans taking to platforms like X to vent their frustrations through memes and trolling comments. Phrases like “I can’t bat, I can’t catch” circulated widely as fans expressed their disappointment with Babar’s recent form. Such reactions are not new; reflect a growing impatience among fans who expect more from their star.
The pressure of expectation
Babar has long been regarded as one of the best batsmen in modern cricket. However, his recent performances have raised concerns about his ability to handle pressure in key matches. Since December 2022, he has struggled to turn starts into meaningful results, leading to questions about his technique and mental strength under pressure. The current Test series against the West Indies was seen as an opportunity for redemption, but his early dismissal only increased the scrutiny from fans and analysts.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Babar Azam punished himself for this.😭 pic.twitter.com/ZvqoU873FJ
— Md Nagori (@Sulemannagori23) January 17, 2025
Babar Azam will not be remembered as a top 5 Pakistan Test batsman until he improves his concentration and learns to play for longer periods.
Javed Miandad, Inzimam ul Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and who will be your 5th?
Hanif, Saeed, Misbah, Saleem, Zaheer or… pic.twitter.com/qkZcbAVoR6— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) January 17, 2025
Babar Azam missed his century by just 92 runs 💔😔 pic.twitter.com/P0dSCJNPiJ
— Sk shaikh (@sakilshaikh410) January 17, 2025
Babar azam bad form Continue to Multan Pakistan in big trouble 46-4
🔥Seales show in Multan 3 wicket #Cricket pic.twitter.com/DwfXQfyPRV
— @virat18 (@Virat_kholi_1) January 17, 2025
Virat Kohli 82* against Pakistan >>>> Babar Azam entire T20 career😂😂😂…
And remember Babar azam can’t play such a shot in his entire career..
No one can be that big after making centuries in the PSL on highway tracks. He has to win matches for his team..— Vijendra Pandey (@VijendraPa1826) January 17, 2025
Babar Azam failed again #PAKvWI #PAKvsWI pic.twitter.com/APnSv4e8Px
— Hum Binod (@BinodnotVinod) January 17, 2025
He obviously passed the ball but took a review anyway, lost one!! 😭😭
Pakistan only won the test series against England because there was no Babar Azam in the team 🇵🇰🤣🤣#GautamGambhir #IndianCricket #BBL14 #ILT20 #SaifAliKhan #PakistanCricket #PAKvWI #RanjiTrofej #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/aptnapSxuk
— Aaliya 🇦🇫 (@Aaliyaarehman) January 17, 2025
Only a batsman named Babar Azam can waste this kind of review on real sharpness. https://t.co/517bH6NmD1 pic.twitter.com/vVRwtZV6B1
— Daniyal Ahmed (@daniyalahmed24) January 17, 2025
Big break 🚨
Babar Azam knew everything then why did he review this? Can someone explain?
It’s so funny, you stupid BA 🤪 pic.twitter.com/toC7UKvaWx
— Preeti Yadav (@PreetiYadav_16) January 17, 2025
Babar Azam review 😁😁😁😁 #PakvsWi pic.twitter.com/o0dIcZUWjR
— Politics of India (@PoliticsOfInd) January 17, 2025
READ ALSO: Pakistan appoints new bowling coach ahead of home Test series against West Indies
