Babar Azam Maintains Strong Hold on Pakistan Captaincy Despite Rizwan’s Playful ‘Kaptaana’ Remark on Field
Sayuri YukiBabar Azam may not be Pakistan’s captain anymore, but a moment on the field during the 1st ODI against West Indies showed he’s still seen in the same light
Babar Azam: Pakistan Begins ODI Series with a Win and a Memorable Captaincy Moment
Pakistan started their three-match ODI series against the West Indies on a high note, securing a five-wicket victory in Tarouba. Chasing a target of 281, the visitors initially faced some challenges but steadied the innings with a match-defining unbeaten 63 from debutant Hasan Nawaz. His calm partnership with Hussain Talat helped Pakistan reach their target comfortably with seven balls to spare, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Beyond the on-field performance, the game featured a lighthearted yet memorable moment involving Pakistan’s leadership. In the eighth over of the West Indies innings, as Saim Ayub bowled to Keacy Carty, the batter drove the ball firmly through the covers. Babar Azam, stationed in the ring, made an impressive diving stop to prevent a boundary. Behind the stumps, current ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan called out “Kaptaana!” in a sharp, playful tone. The irony was clear: Rizwan is Pakistan’s present captain, while Babar had previously led the side until stepping down after the 2023 World Cup.
This brief exchange captured fans’ imagination and quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the camaraderie and respect shared between the two leaders as Pakistan kickstarts their series on a positive note.
Watch:
I love hearing "Kaptana"~#BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam #PakvsWI #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/ZhxgapoBIh
— 𝘽𝙖𝙗𝙖𝙧 𝘼𝙯𝙖𝙢 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣
(@babar_a56) August 8, 2025
Babar Azam played a crucial innings of 47 runs off 64 balls, featuring crisp drives and deft flicks that steadied Pakistan’s top order alongside Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan. After an early loss of Saim Ayub, the trio built a solid foundation until Babar Azam was dismissed in the 24th over.
That departure paved the way for debutant Hasan Nawaz to showcase his maturity and skill. The 22-year-old impressed with an unbeaten 63 off 54 balls, including three sixes and five fours, forming a match-winning unbroken 104-run partnership with Hussain Talat. Talat himself scored a composed 41 from 37 balls, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries to guide Pakistan to a five-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
Earlier, the West Indies posted a competitive total of 280 runs, with Evin Lewis leading the charge with a brisk 60. Shai Hope (55) and Roston Chase (53) also made valuable contributions. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, taking 4 wickets for 51 runs, including both openers and Hope at a crucial stage. Naseem Shah supported with three wickets, including a quick double strike near the innings’ end.
Pakistan now looks ahead to the second ODI on Sunday, aiming to clinch the series early.
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