17-Year-Old Spinner Leaves Babar Azam Clueless [Video]

Faisal Akram, a 17-year-old left-arm spinner, has established himself in the domestic circuit by putting in consistent performances over the last year. His excellent results have piqued the attention of Pakistan’s management. He is regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.

For the upcoming tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe, Akram was called up to the Pakistan cricket team’s training camp, where he played in practise matches. The young Chineseman bamboozled the Pakistani batsmen in two practise matches, taking four wickets, including the prized wicket of Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Babar was unable to handle a sharply turning delivery and was caught leg before wicket (LBW), much to the delight of the 17-year-old.

“I was under a little bit of pressure early on because he [Babar] is a world-class player. However, Waqar [Younis] Bhai, who was working as an umpire alongside me, instilled trust in me and assured me that I could do it. Babar Bhai got a decent ball and was dismissed because I was bowling well at the time. After that, my self-assurance skyrocketed,” Faisal explained.

Watch the video of the dismissal below:

@FaisalAkram_ got the wicket of @babarazam258 🏏💪🥰@southern_punjab @TheRealPCB @thePSLt20 pic.twitter.com/Veo4uMaBO5

— Bilal Akram (@BilalAkram1516) March 25, 2021

Faisal Akram was one of the best bowlers in the U19 World Cup. He finished the recently concluded 2020/21 National U-19 One Day Cup as the leading wicket-taker with 27 wickets in ten matches. His impressive results have secured him a call-up to the Pakistani U19 national team for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh.

Faisal said that he wants to play for Pakistan in the U19 Cricket World Cup and help the team win.