Babar Azam's efforts in his challenging battle against New Zealand are praised by Umar Gul.

Picture AFP

After Pakistan's first Twenty20 international match at Eden Park, Auckland, ended in a 46-run loss to New Zealand, Umar Gul, Pakistan's bowling coach, spoke to the media. Babar did not help Pakistan achieve the enormous 227-run target that the Kiwis had set.

Gul Said - he was confident in Babar's skills and that his performance today will make him feel more confident.Babar is undoubtedly our best player and among the best in the world, as evidenced by his runs in the most recent series. He was not out of form, but sometimes bad luck finds you. He scored thirty to forty runs, but we were hoping for a big innings out of him, like a century, which he was unable to achieve. 

Fast bowling coach Umar Gul says Babar Azam isn't out of form, luck hasn't been with him in the last few matches. Do you agree with him? 👀 #NZvsPAK pic.twitter.com/GJQgFDXocl

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) January 13, 2024

He Also Said:

If you talk about today, his strike rate and the way he batted, I think it is a positive sign for Pakistan that Babar gained the confidence. I’m sure that after today’s innings, he would have gained the confidence, which is good for him and the team. 

Babar Azam was the leading scorer with 57 runs off 35 balls, however it was insufficient to reach the enormous target.