Is 'PakBall' Now A Thing? Former Pakistan Great Shoaib Akhtar Thinks So

Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar seems to have brought up a new term to describe his country's cricketing play against Sri Lanka

Outlook Sports Desk

Updated on: 25 July 2023 5:00 am

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in action against Sri Lanka.

English media were quick to coin the word 'Bazball' after the English Test cricket team's style of play. Under the coaching style of Brendon McCullum, the Ben Stokes-led side announced a new brand of cricket in the Test arena that quickly won the world over.

In the second innings of the 2nd West Indies versus India Test at Port Of Spain, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal made a blistering start to the innings that made people call it 'DravBall' on social media.

Pakistan on the other hand have introduced their own version. In the second Test versus Sri Lanka, Pakistan scored 145 runs in just 28.3 overs with the run rate going up to above 5 per over. Former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar called it as 'PakBall' on Twitter.

Is #PakBall becoming a bit of a thing?
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) July 24, 2023

Babar Azam is the reason behind the aggressive approach adopted by our batsmen in Test Match cricket. Having the finest batsman of the era as your partner and the leader imbues you with the requisite confidence to go about your business on a cavalier note.#pakball
— Umar Khayyam (@utggondal) July 24, 2023

After losing Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistani batters Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood smashed half-centuries to help the visitors take the opening day honours after bundling out Sri Lanka for 166 in the second Test on Monday.

Pakistan, who lead the two-match series 1-0, reached 145-2 at stumps, trailing Sri Lanka by 21 runs in Colombo.
(with Agency inputs)