In a dramatic moment during the Champions One-Day Cup in Faisalabad, fans started leaving the stadium as soon as star Pakistani batter Babar Azam was dismissed.Â
Babar Azam’s Popularity Among Fans
Babar Azam’s early dismissal had a noticeable impact on the crowd, as videos circulated on social media showing fans leaving the stadium immediately after his wicket.
This incident mirrors the fan frenzy once associated with Shahid Afridi during his peak years.
Babar’s popularity is not only due to his technical brilliance but also his ability to play entertaining cricket.
The fact that fans departed after his dismissal speaks volumes about his status as Pakistan’s cricket icon, whose presence is a major draw for spectators.
Playing for the Stallions, Babar scored a solid 45 runs from 45 balls against Mohammad Rizwan’s Markhors in the fourth match of the tournament.
His brief yet impactful innings included eight boundaries, with five consecutive fours in one over off pacer Shahnawaz Dahani.
However, his departure on the first ball of the 16th over, bowled by Zahid Mahmood, prompted a mass exodus of fans, underlining his significant influence on the game and the love he commands among cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan.
Despite Babar’s efforts, the Stallions managed to score only 105 runs in 23.4 overs and suffered a heavy defeat by 126 runs.
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Zahid Mahmood played a crucial role for Markhors, taking five wickets for just 18 runs in his spell.
The Stallions’ loss emphasised their struggles in the tournament, while Markhors continued their unbeaten run, marking their second consecutive victory.
Markhors’ Dominant Performance
Markhors continued their winning streak in the tournament with this dominant performance.
Opting to bat first, they posted a respectable total of 231 runs, with significant contributions from Agha Salman (51) and Iftikhar Ahmed (60).
In reply, the Stallions crumbled under pressure, with Zahid Mahmood and Salman Agha leading the bowling attack.
Zahid’s five-wicket haul crippled the Stallions’ chase, ensuring a comprehensive victory for Markhors by 126 runs.
This win solidified their position at the top of the points table, showcasing their balanced squad and strategic execution on the field.
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