BPL 2024: Babar Azam loses cool during match against Durdanto Dhaka

In a gripping encounter in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Rangpur Riders' Babar Azam found himself embroiled in a heated exchange against Durdanto Dhaka on Saturday, January 27. Known for his composure on the field, Babar's uncharacteristic display of frustration caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide. 

The incident unfolded during his impressive innings, where he powered his team to a competitive total of 183 for 8 with a well-crafted 62 off 46 deliveries, which earned him the Player of the Match accolade. However, amidst his batting prowess, the star Pakistan batter got engaged in a tense moment with the opposition wicketkeeper, Irfan Sukkur.

A clip circulating on social media captured the exchange, where he directed the words, "I am not talking to you," to Sukkur, while Mohammad Naim Sheikh from the Dhaka camp attempted to console him. The right-handed batter strode off to the sidelines, visibly furious with the unfolding events. His discontent was palpable, that led him to gesture towards the umpire, which prompted the official to step in and defuse the situation.

Here's the video of Babar Azam fuming over Irfan Sukkur:

Rangpur Riders outclass Durdanto Dhaka

Despite Babar's standout performance, the Rangpur Riders faced stiff competition from Durdanto Dhaka in their pursuit of victory. Mahedi Hasan's exceptional bowling figures of 3 for 11 spearheaded the Riders' defense, well-supported by Azmatullah Omarzai and Hasan Mahmud, who clinched two wickets each for 14 and 18 runs, respectively.

Dhaka's chase was anchored by Alex Ross's resilient half-century as he contributed 51 runs off 35 deliveries. However, his valiant effort lacked support from his teammates, with Saim Ayub's 17 off 14 being the next highest contribution. Despite the spirited performance from individual players, Dhaka fell short of the target set by Rangpur Riders and failed to secure a victory in the 12th match of the BPL 2024.