Pakistan captain Babar Azam found himself in a spot of lighthearted moment during a training session on the eve of the 4th T20I against New Zealand in Lahore on Wednesday. A video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) captured Azam playfully denying chief selector Wahab Riaz a chance to participate in a friendly six-hitting competition between players and coaching staff.
The video showcased Azam and interim head coach Azhar Mahmood refusing Riaz’s request to join the competition. The format was simple: each participant was given two balls to launch the biggest six they could muster.
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Azam, ever the leader by example, stepped up as the first batter to get the proceedings going. The competition progressed with a mix of power-hitting and playful tension, eventually culminating in an exciting finish. Three finalists emerged from the pack: the experienced Iftikhar Ahmed, the young pacer Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi. In the end, it was Naseem Shah who emerged victorious in the friendly contest.
Pakistan in a desperate need for a win vs NZ in the 4th T20I
Pakistan and New Zealand will feature in a much-awaited fourth T20I of the five-match series in Lahore on Thursday. With the series equaled at 1-1, Pakistan would be desperate for gaining an upper hand.
The pressure would certainly be on the hosts, who are up against a second-choice New Zealand team. After the first T20I was washed out due to rain, Pakistan cliched the second game. The Kiwis, however, made a superb comeback as Mark Chapman’s 87 led the visitors to a fabulous win. All eyes will be on the fourth T20I in Lahore.
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