'He must come out of this average mindset and think big' - Shahid Afridi's critical comments on Babar Azam's strategies

Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi heavily criticized current captain Babar Azam’s game strategy and said that he needed to rise above his usual frame of mind. Afridi believes Babar should think big while planning of setting targets for the opponents. Pakistan is currently playing against New Zealand and Bangladesh in a T20 Tri-series in Christchurch.

The 42-year-old Afridi made his remarks in response to Babar’s comments made prior to Pakistan's game against Bangladesh in the tri-series. Azam had previously stated that he was considering giving Bangladesh a target of 160 runs to reach. The veteran all-rounder questioned Babar’s lofty objectives and advised him to get off this ordinary mindset.

"Babar must come out of this average mindset and think big. If scoring 160 runs for the target against Bangladesh was his big intent, then what is he going to do against stronger teams," said Afridi.

Rizwan shouldn't listen to anyone: Afridi

In addition, Afridi analyzed the performance of Pakistan opener-wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who is currently the No. 1 T20I batter as per ICC’s latest rankings. Rizwan also faced a lot of criticism of late for his slow game. Though the opener used to get big scores, he was slammed for not being quick in the process.

Pakistan did defeat Bangladesh in the match by 21 runs as they could only muster 146 runs in reply to their 167. Afridi also addressed Mohammad Rizwan, whose strike rate came under scrutiny during the Asia Cup. The in-form wicketkeeper-batsman was defended by Afridi, who said that Rizwan should concentrate on getting runs rather than listening to critics.

"The actual thing is the beginning. Babar and Rizwan should score the chunk of runs [for other batters]. Rizwan shouldn't listen to anyone," Afridi added.

The Pakistani opening pair of Rizwan and Babar has previously faced backlash for not getting the team off to fast starts, but many believed it was because Pakistan’s middle order was more fragile. Pakistan has entered the finals of the tri-series and will be facing the hosts New Zealand in the summit clash.