Back-to-back low scores raise questions over adaptation

Babar Azam’s struggles continue in Big Bash League

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam endured another disappointing outing in the Big Bash League (BBL), failing to make an impact in his second appearance of the tournament at Perth Stadium on Wednesday.

Batting against the Adelaide Strikers, Babar managed just 9 runs off 10 balls, striking only one boundary before being dismissed by fast bowler Luke Wood.

Another early dismissal

Babar’s innings lacked fluency, as he struggled to settle against disciplined bowling on a lively surface. His dismissal followed a similar pattern to his debut match, where he was unable to build momentum before falling cheaply.

In his BBL debut against Perth Scorchers, the star batter was dismissed for just two runs, making it back-to-back low scores in the competition.

Australian conditions test technique

Cricket analysts note that pace, bounce and lateral movement in Australian conditions often demand quick adjustment — something even elite batters can take time to master.

For Babar, who is widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, the early struggles underline the challenge of adapting to a new league, new pitches and unfamiliar bowling attacks.

Critical analysis: Pressure and expectations

Experts say the spotlight on Babar remains intense, with fans expecting immediate returns from the high-profile signing. However, short-format leagues allow little margin for error, and early failures can quickly amplify scrutiny.

While two innings are far from a definitive verdict, the lack of resistance so far raises questions about shot selection, tempo management and confidence aspects Babar will need to address quickly as the tournament progresses.

What lies ahead

With several matches still to come, Babar will have opportunities to rediscover form and silence critics. Teams and supporters alike will be watching closely to see whether the Pakistan star can convert class into consistency in the BBL.