[VIDEO] From Babar Calling Nawaz His Match Winner To Slapping Him On The Face

In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan’s match against South Africa was a nail-biting sight. The M A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India hosted cricket fans from all across the world on October 27, 2023, for a tense match. In a nail-biting finish, South Africa prevailed against India by the slim margin of one wicket. However, the main attraction was Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam’s obvious irritation, which he directed mostly at their spinner Mohammad Nawaz, who gave up the winning runs.

The cricketing world watched as Pakistan and South Africa squared off. Babar Azam’s Pakistani team won the toss and elected to bat first. There were a few line-up adjustments, the most notable being the additions of Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Wasim Jr. Pakistan started their innings with great hopes and even bigger expectations.

The cricketing gods, however, had other ideas. Pakistan lost five important wickets as the game progressed, leaving them at 270 all-out after 46.4 overs. With four scalps for just 60 runs, South African spinner Shamsi emerged as the major tormentor.

Babar Azam frustrated at Mohammed Nawaz after the game against South Africa in World Cup 2023

The turning point in the game, which ultimately led to Babar Azam’s displeasure, occurred in the 46th over. When South Africa was getting dangerously close, Babar Azam gave the ball to Mohammad Nawaz in the hopes of getting a wicket. The scenario called for pinpoint accuracy, but the left-arm spinner’s delivery went down the leg side instead. Keshav Maharaj of South Africa pounced on the chance and sent a boundary ball straight to square leg.

Babar Azam’s anger was obvious. The Pakistani captain’s outburst of frustration at Mohammad Nawaz was captured on camera. The captain’s and spinner’s heated exchange exemplified the heightened tensions inherent in cricket contests with big stakes.

The event interestingly highlights the intricacy and ever-changing dynamics of cricket. Despite Babar Azam’s criticism of Nawaz’s performance in this game, he praised him as a match-winner in 2022 during the Cricket World Cup game at the MCG between Pakistan and India. He called Nawaz his match-winner and called for everyone to not blame him, after he failed to defend the runs in the final over.