Former Pakistan batter Rashid Latif criticised former captain Babar Azam for his approach in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. The hosts suffered a 60-run defeat on ICC tournament’s return in the country after 1996. Latif called the backlash right adding that Babar should have taken risks during his stay at the crease. The former wicketkeeper-batter said Babar has not been Pakistan’s hope anymore citing the example of Virat Kohli, who earned the respect worldwide after scoring in clutch situations for India. Mohammad Rizwan-led looks weaker against Rohit Sharma & Co. in the mega encounter between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, says Latif. The veteran batter further added to India’s bowling arsenal despite the absence of pace-spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. He said: \”I believe India’s bowling is currently better. In conditions like Dubai, Pakistan will struggle to face their spin attack,\” Latif said. The match is very important for Pakistan. Even though India’s record has been stronger against Pakistan but there used to be competition, the game used to go till the final overs. In a tournament like CT, where every team is a top side, the margins of errors are less there. Pakistan had lost their opening game in 2017 as well. People think Pakistan have been unpredictable but Babar’s batting has become predictable,\” he said.
