'No Cause for Concern': Mike Smith Backs Babar Azam Before Sri Lanka Final
Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith dismisses concerns over Babar Azam's form before the high-stakes tri-series final against Sri Lanka.
As the tension mounts for Saturday’s tri-series final against Sri Lanka, Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith has stepped up to defend star batter Babar Azam. Despite a recent dip in big scores, Smith insists that there is absolutely no reason to worry about the former captain's form as the team prepares for the championship clash.
The Struggle for a Big Score
The concerns surrounding Babar Azam stem from his inability to convert starts into substantial totals during the current tri-series. In four innings, Babar has accumulated 118 runs but has yet to register a single half-century. While he has consistently found his footing at the crease, the big scores have remained elusive.
The situation became a talking point following Pakistan's first defeat of the tournament on Tuesday. Playing in Lahore, the hosts suffered a crushing eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka. The Pakistani batting lineup collapsed for a meager 110 runs, with Babar top-scoring but managing only 29.
Smith’s Unwavering Confidence
Despite the numbers, Mike Smith believes the narrative around Babar is skewed. Speaking via the ICC website, Smith emphasized that the hardest part of batting—getting established—is something Babar is doing "effortlessly."
"Had he converted one of those solid starts into a substantial century, this would not even be a topic of discussion," Smith remarked. "That is the nature of elite international sport—you cannot deliver a peak performance every single time."
The coach urged observers to look beyond the scorecards and focus on the quality of Babar's play, noting that those who understand the game can see how well the batter is striking the ball. Smith expressed absolute certainty that a "magnificent" big score is imminent.
Overcoming the Sri Lankan Hurdle
The defeat on Tuesday was largely orchestrated by Sri Lankan pacer Dilshan Madushanka. The left-arm seamer tore through the Pakistan order with a brilliant five-wicket haul, causing chaos with the new ball and continuing his dominance later in the innings to ensure a comfortable victory for Sri Lanka.
While Smith acknowledged that losing the game immediately preceding the final was not the "perfect preparation," he maintained that the result would not dictate the outcome of the title match.
Focusing on the Final
Smith pointed out that in a high-caliber tri-series against quality opponents, it is rare for any team to remain undefeated. He believes the setback is a natural part of the tournament and will not change the team's trajectory.
According to the batting coach, the final will not be decided by previous losses, but by psychological resilience. He stated that the trophy will go to the team that manages the pressure most effectively and executes their plan under the strain of the big stage.