'He hasn't played any impactful innings' - Gautam Gambhir launches scathing attack on Babar Azam after Pakistan's loss against South Africa

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has come down heavily on Pakistan Captain Babar Azam after his team’s loss against South Africa during Match 26 of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Friday, October 27 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. After opting to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for 270 in 46.4 overs while South Africa chased down the target in 47.2 overs and thrillingly won the game by one wicket.

Following Pakistan’s loss, Gambhir heavily criticised Babar saying that the Pakistan skipper hasn’t played any impactful knock in his career and his records and rankings are overrated.

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"Babar Azam hasn't played any impactful inning. Records and rankings are overrated. The real No.1 is the one who wins matches,” said Gambhir on Star Sports.

Notably, Babar scored 50 (65) against South Africa which was his third half-century of the tournament so far. He also scored 74 (92) in the previous game against Afghanistan and 50 (58) against India in third fixture. In the six matches played in the tournament so far, the Pakistan skipper has scored 207 runs from six innings at an average of 34.50 and a below-par strike rate of 79. The 29-year-old is the current number-one ranked batter in ODIs but hasn't been able to justify his top position with his performances so far in the tournament.

Coming back to the match, after opting to bat first, Pakistan lost their openers Abdullah Shafique (9 off 17) and Imam-ul-Haq (12 off 18)  cheaply who both fell prey to Marco Jansen leaving their side on 38/2 after 6.3 overs.

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Aiden Markram stars in South Africa's run chase

Captain Babar (50 off 65) continued to hold one end and scored his third half-century of the tournament but he once again failed to convert it into a big score and got dismissed by Tabraiz Shamsi Saud Shakeel (52 off 52) and Shadab Khan (43 off 36) added 84 runs for the sixth wicket off 71 balls to help Pakistan cross the 220-run mark.

In reply, South Africa were left reeling at 250/8 as Aiden Markram got dismissed after a magnificent innings of 91(93). However, Keshav Maharaj (7* off 21) and Tabraiz Shamsi (4* off 6) helped their side chase down 271 in 47.2 overs and helped their team win by one wicket.