Shadab Khan trolled Babar Azam during the warm-up clash |Courtesy-screengrab
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Babar Azam is not playing the warm-up clash vs Australia
- Shadab Khan is leading the side
- Shadab trolled Babar at the side
In their final warm-up match before the 2023 World Cup begins, Pakistan decided to rest skipper Babar Azam against Australia on Tuesday (October 3) at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. Vice-captain Shadab Khan walked out for the toss and trolled Babar by suggesting that he would have to field and serve drinks to his teammates.
“He is okay but Babar wanted a rest. Babar Azam will field and carry drinks as well; I am that type of captain (laughs),” said Shadab at the toss. It was further revealed that Babar might still bat while Mohammad Rizwan has been completely rested, with Mohammad Haris set to keep wickets for the Men in Green.
Shadab’s words at the toss did come true, as Babar was spotted serving drinks to his teammates during the stoppages. He also appeared in the middle as a substitute fielder later in the Australian innings.
Talking about the match, Australia made a quick start with David Warner making 48 runs in 33 balls. Each of Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith got good starts with knocks of 31, 40, and 27, respectively, but failed to make it big. Glenn Maxwell put aside any concerns over his batting form following a comeback from injury with a quick-fire 71-ball 77. After the end of 41 overs, Australia had a score of 255, having lost six wickets on the board.
Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usama Mir took one wicket each for Pakistan, while Haris Rauf got two scalps.
Pakistan lost their first warm-up game to New Zealand in a high-scoring clash, while Australia’s game against the Netherlands saw no result after multiple rain stoppages.
Pakistan will play their first World Cup game against the Netherlands on Friday (October 6) while Australia will start their campaign with a blockbuster clash against hosts India on Sunday (October 8) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
