Pakistan star batter Babar Azam endured a disappointing return to domestic cricket as he failed to make a significant impact in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Hoping to regain his form ahead of the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, Babar managed just 28 runs in the first innings and 42 in the second. His frustration became evident after an unexpected dismissal in the second innings, when he smashed his bat against the ground while walking back to the dressing room.
A video of the incident has since circulated on social media, attracting considerable attention from cricket fans.
Babar had returned to domestic cricket with Lahore Whites, taking on FATA in a bid to regain his batting rhythm before Pakistan's important Test assignment. However, the comeback did not go according to plan.
After scoring 28 in the first innings, expectations were high that he would produce a stronger performance in his second opportunity. Instead, he was dismissed for 42 off 77 balls.
The dismissal proved particularly frustrating. FATA bowler Shahid Aziz delivered a length ball outside the off stump. The delivery was moving away from Babar, and leaving it alone might have been a safer option. However, the batter chased the ball well outside his body and attempted to play a shot away from the stumps.
He ended up edging it straight to the first slip, handing the opposition a crucial wicket. Clearly disappointed with his shot selection, Babar lost his composure and smashed his bat onto the ground while heading towards the dressing room.
The dismissal also raised questions about his recurring struggles against deliveries outside the off stump, an area opposition bowlers have increasingly targeted.
FATA Dominate From Start to Finish
The match itself turned out to be a one-sided contest, with FATA securing a convincing 241-run victory over Lahore Whites.
After winning the toss, Lahore Whites elected to field first. FATA responded with a strong first-innings total of 362 runs in 84.1 overs. Fawad Arshad led the batting effort with a patient 115 off 311 deliveries.
In reply, Lahore Whites were dismissed for 234 runs. Ali Zaryab was their leading contributor, scoring 51 runs.
FATA continued their dominance in the second innings, posting 283 runs in 59.1 overs. Mohammad Farooq produced an outstanding century, scoring 123 off 191 balls.
Chasing a substantial target, Lahore Whites struggled once again and were bowled out for just 170 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Zain Bin Farooq top-scored with 44 runs, but the rest of the batting line-up failed to provide meaningful support.
FATA eventually sealed the match by a massive margin of 241 runs.
Sri Lanka Series Puts Babar Under Spotlight
Pakistan's first Test against Sri Lanka is scheduled to begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi. With no further domestic matches available before the series, Babar will have limited opportunities to address his batting concerns ahead of the international assignment.
His recent performances have increased the spotlight on him, particularly as Pakistan will expect their experienced batter to deliver in the upcoming series.
For Babar, the challenge now is to put the domestic disappointment behind him and rediscover his confidence at the crease. All eyes will be on his performance when Pakistan take on Sri Lanka.
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