Ashwin’s Hilarious Dig at Babar Azam’s Slow Fifty

On 19 February 2025, during a game of ICC Champions Trophy opener, Indian cricket player Ravichandran Ashwin jokingly teased Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for his sluggish inning against New Zealand. While running after a record target of 321 runs, Pakistan was falling behind, and Babar managed to score just 64 runs off 90 balls at a strike rate of just 71.1. Ashwin likened Babar's batting to the ancient fable of "The Tortoise and the Hare," highlighting the stark contrast between Babar's slow style and his team-mate Agha Salman's free-wheeling 42 from 28 balls.

Pakistan ended up 60 runs short in the end, questioning Babar's pace in crucial matches. Ashwin tweeted, "Babar's journey to 50… has to be the best portrayal of 'The Tortoise and Rabbit tale,'" reflecting the frustration of fans and critics alike.

Source: NDTV Sports, sportskeeda