Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam’s boundary during the second Test against Sri Lanka has divided opinions on social media. The shot in question has sparked a debate on whether it was intentional or a stroke of luck.
During the match, facing a delivery from Sri Lanka bowler Asitha Fernando, Babar appeared to want to leave the ball. However, at the last moment, he executed a cheeky shot touch, guiding the ball between first slip and gully for a boundary. Some on social media believe it was a fluke, suggesting that Babar accidentally hit the ball while trying to leave it. In contrast, others have shared an old video showing Babar attempting a similar shot during practice sessions in the nets, implying that it was intentional.
Babar’s first innings during the second Test ended in the 48th over when he was caught LBW by Sri Lanka spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Interestingly, this was the sixth time Jayasuriya has managed to dismiss Babar in red-ball cricket. Despite the dismissal, Babar scored 39 runs from 75 deliveries, including four boundaries and one six.
Pakistan’s opening batter Abdullah Shafique played a remarkable double century, leading his team to a massive total of 576 runs. All-rounder Agha Salman also made a significant contribution with the bat, scoring his second Test hundred. Salman remained unbeaten on 132 runs when Captain Babar decided to declare Pakistan’s first innings.
In the first innings of the second Test, Sri Lanka was bowled out for a mere 166 runs. Pakistan had begun the Test series on a positive note, winning the opening match by four wickets.
As the debate continues to unfold on social media, opinions remain divided regarding Babar Azam’s boundary shot. Some argue that it was a fortunate accident, while others point to evidence suggesting it was a deliberate stroke. Ultimately, only Babar knows the truth behind the shot, leaving fans and critics alike pondering the intention behind this intriguing moment on the cricket field.
