In an electrifying encounter between cricketing giants India and Pakistan in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s skipper, grabbed the limelight for all the wrong reasons. His puzzling decisions regarding the Decision Review System (DRS) during the match drew criticism from fans and cricket experts alike. As social media platforms lit up with reactions, unfavorable comparisons to the legendary MS Dhoni, renowned for his impeccable DRS calls, began to surface.
Babar’s DRS Disaster during India vs Pakistan Clash
The high-stakes match witnessed a critical juncture where Babar Azam made not one, but three incorrect DRS appeals. The most glaring of these misjudgments occurred during India’s innings when Pakistan had already exhausted both their DRS reviews. In consultation with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, Babar opted for a review after a faint noise was detected as the ball passed Virat Kohli’s thigh pad. However, the UltraEdge technology displayed a flat line, affirming that the ball hadn’t made contact with the bat. This ill-advised call left Pakistan without any reviews for the remainder of the innings.
Twitter Reacts on Babar Azam’s DRS Blunders
Unsurprisingly, cricket enthusiasts took to Twitter to voice their opinions on Babar Azam’s DRS blunders. Virat Kohli added a touch of humor, quipping, “Bhaii tu Rizwan ki mat sun… Faltu DRS le liya,” which quickly transformed into a viral meme. Memes and tweets flooded social media, with some unfavorably contrasting Babar’s DRS decisions with the remarkable DRS acumen of MS Dhoni.
One fan tweeted, “Babar Azam ka DRS Bhai pressure me aa jata hai bowlers ke. Dhoni ka DRS next level hota hai…par Babar ke DRS ka koi level hi nahi hai,” underscoring the stark disparity in DRS capabilities between the two captains. Another fan pointed out that Rizwan’s inability to accurately discern edges played a role in Babar’s erroneous DRS choices, stating, “Rizwan seems to be an awful judge if batsmen have nicked it or not. Doesn’t help Babar to make any decision with DRS.”
The Impact on the Match
Babar Azam’s misguided use of DRS reviews did not merely entertain fans on social media; it had a substantial impact on the match itself. Deprived of any reviews, Pakistan couldn’t challenge crucial umpiring decisions later in the game. This absence of reviews proved to be a significant handicap in their quest to restrict the Indian batsmen. As a result, arch-rivals India posted a huge 356-run target to chase for the hosts.
Babar Azam’s DRS miscalculations in the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash will be remembered not only for their influence on the match’s outcome but also for the Twitter frenzy they triggered. In the realm of cricket, where slender margins can decide the fate of a game, every DRS call is pivotal. MS Dhoni’s legacy in this aspect looms large, and Babar Azam must strive for improvement if he aspires to achieve similar heights as a captain.
Also read, Shoaib Akhtar posts hilarious tweet as Rain spoils IND vs. PAK
