Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam showcased remarkable camaraderie during the third ODI against Australia in Perth on November 10, 2024, when he stepped in as an impromptu physio for teammate Shaheen Afridi. This unexpected act of support left fans and commentators astounded, highlighting the spirit of teamwork that defines cricket.
Babar Azam rescues Shaheen Afridi in an injury scare
The incident unfolded in the 26th over of the match when a throw from Babar, aimed at the non-striker’s end, took an unfortunate bounce and struck Shaheen on his left thumb. The impact caused visible pain, forcing Shaheen to drop to the ground while clutching his injured hand. As the team physio was called onto the field, Babar wasted no time; he rushed over to his teammate and began to manipulate Shaheen’s thumb in an apparent attempt to alleviate his discomfort. Commentators noted Babar’s quick response, with former cricketer Brendon Julian humorously dubbing him “Dr. Babar” for his efforts.
Babar’s actions not only demonstrated his concern for Shaheen’s well-being but also underscored the importance of teamwork in cricket. In a sport where individual performances often steal the spotlight, moments like these remind us that collaboration and support are equally vital. Wasim Akram, a legend of Pakistani cricket, expressed his astonishment at Babar’s knowledge of first aid, remarking on how quickly he assessed the situation and acted.
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Here’s the video:
Dr Babar is on the case! 👨⚕️#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/FupHfqon3p
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 10, 2024
Shaheen’s resilience in adversity
Despite the injury scare, Shaheen displayed remarkable resilience. After receiving treatment from the official physio, who ruled out any serious damage and applied pain-relief spray, left-arm pacer returned to bowl. His determination paid off as he took two more wickets during the match, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s bowling attack that restricted Australia to just 140 runs. Alongside Naseem Shah, who also claimed three wickets, they led Pakistan towards a historic series victory after 22 years.
Babar’s quick response to help Shaheen not only highlights his leadership qualities but also serves as a testament to the unity within the Pakistani cricket team. As they clinched their first ODI series win in Australia since 2002 by defeating the host by 8-wickets in a dominating fashion, this incident will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment of camaraderie and resilience.