Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by a comfortable margin of 81 runs in their opening ICC Cricket World Cup match in Hyderabad. While skipper Babar Azam’s performance with the bat was not up to scratch, he received thunderous applause from the fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
A video has surfaced on social media where Babar Azam chants can be heard at the stadium. The Pakistan skipper responded to the fans’ chants by putting a hand around his ear, acknowledging the supporters.
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After the match, Babar said that he was quite pleased with the sort of support the Pakistan team has enjoyed since reaching Hyderabad. “The way Hyderabad supports us, we are very happy. Our team is enjoying the hospitality. Pretty satisfied, credit to the bowlers, the way started well and the way we took wickets in the middle overs” he said after the game.
Babar reacts to “Babar Babar Babar” chant in Hyderabad#UTouBabarHai #WC2023 #PAKvsNED #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/p6AerU8dvo
— merosix (@Merosix0) October 6, 2023
He added, “We lost three wickets, the way Rizwan and Saud batted put pressure on the Netherlands. Saud built his innings and played well. He has improved a lot. Our bowlers bowled very well, we stuck to our plans, Haris bowled quick and took wickets.”
Chants of BABAR, BABAR, BABAR in Hyderabad Cricket Stadium and Babar responds to the crowd’s chants by putting his left hand on his left ear imitating that he is listening to them. The craze for Babar Azam in India is unreal. #CWC2023 pic.twitter.com/SPma6h9LxP
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) October 6, 2023
Saud Shakeel was the player of the match for Pakistan, scoring 68 runs off 52 balls after the team lost the top three batters early.
“Tried to be positive and score runs for the team. Nerves were there, we lost 3 wickets but I was fortunate enough to get early boundaries. We knew the pressure would go back to them if we got a start. I think the last 2-3 months I’ve been playing hard, I knew I’d bat number 5 for Pakistan and have been developing my shots according to that – sweeps and reverse sweeps. Thanks to the crowd as well, and I want to thank my coach as well for helping me out,” said Shakeel.
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Babar Azam is one of the most popular cricketers in the world, and his fans are always eager to see him perform. Despite his average performance in the match against the Netherlands, the fans showed their support for him by chanting his name. This is a testament to his popularity and the impact he has on the sport.
Pakistan will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the World Cup. They have a strong team and are one of the favorites to win the tournament. The support of their fans will be a huge boost for them as they look to achieve their goal.
