His odi

Nation ODI Series: As Pakistan prepare for the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series against New Zealand in Karachi, skipper Mohammad Rizwan has thrown his weight behind former captain Babar Azam, backing the star batter to rediscover his best form. While runs in Friday’s game would be valuable, the broader concern remains Babar’s long-term dip in form, which has seen his numbers drop across all formats.

Babar’s numbers have taken a hit over the last year. His ODI form — traditionally his strongest format — has suffered a noticeable decline. Since the start of the 2023 Asia Cup, he has averaged 42.90 in 25 games, bringing his career average down from nearly 59 to the mid-50s. If his knock of 151 against Nepal is excluded, that average dips further below 38.

This series hasn’t reversed the trend. He managed just 10 runs in the opening game against New Zealand, his innings dragging through the Powerplay while Fakhar Zaman flourished at the other end. Even in Pakistan’s record chase of 353 against South Africa, Babar started well but was trapped in front for 23 by Wiaan Mulder. Rizwan, however, believes Babar is simply a victim of his own success.