Key points

• Babar Azam smashed his bat on the pitch after being dismissed for 42 by Shahid Aziz against FATA in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
• Babar has not scored a Test hundred since December 2022, and he managed just 118 runs in the recent ODI tri-series.
• Mohammad Rizwan made an unbeaten 200 from 252 balls for Peshawar Blues against Faisalabad, his second double century in first-class cricket.
• Peshawar declared on 503 for 4, with Najab Khan making 133 and Mohammad Haris 70 not out.
• Pakistan's home Test series against Sri Lanka begins on 9 November in Rawalpindi.

Babar Azam's search for form took a frustrating turn in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, as Pakistan's Test captain smashed his bat on the pitch after being dismissed for 42 against FATA. On the same day, Mohammad Rizwan gave the selectors a reminder of his quality with an unbeaten double century for Peshawar Blues.

The two innings told very different stories: Babar's dismissal summed up a lean run stretching back months, while Rizwan's 200 not out was a statement innings.

Babar's frustration boils over

Babar was playing for Lahore Whites against FATA at the Diamond Cricket Ground in Islamabad, in the first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold 2026/27. Chasing 412 in the fourth innings, Babar, on 42 from 77 balls, went for a drive at a wide delivery from Shahid Aziz.

He managed only an outside edge, caught by wicketkeeper Rehan Afridi. Clearly disappointed, Babar dropped his head and smashed his bat against the pitch. The video quickly spread on social media.

At the time, Lahore were 102 for 5, still needing 310 runs. It was Babar's second failure of the match: he had made 28 in the first innings as Lahore were bowled out for 234 in reply to FATA's 362.

A lean run continues

The dismissal continued a difficult period for Babar with the bat. During the recently concluded ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka, he managed just 118 runs across five matches at an average of 23.60, without a half-century.

Since 2024, he has scored 922 runs in 15 matches at an average of 32.93, without a century. His last Test hundred came against New Zealand in December 2022. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy was his chance to rediscover confidence before Pakistan's home Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on 9 November in Rawalpindi.

One bright spot: Babar bowled a tight spell of seven overs for 16 runs with two maidens on the opening day. But it is his batting that Pakistan need, and the bat-smash showed how much the pressure is weighing on him. For more on Pakistan cricket, read our report on Pakistan's win over India at the Hong Kong Sixes.

Rizwan's answer: a double century

While Babar struggled in Islamabad, Rizwan was making runs in Abbottabad. Playing for Peshawar Blues against Faisalabad, the wicketkeeper-batter converted his overnight hundred into an unbeaten 200 from 252 balls, hitting 35 fours and one six.

Peshawar resumed on 306 for 3 and declared on 503 for 4. Najab Khan made 133 and Mohammad Haris finished unbeaten on 70. It was Rizwan's second double century in first-class cricket, and his first in 12 years.

The innings was a timely response after a turbulent period following Pakistan's Test series in England. Rizwan came in with Peshawar three down for 127 and rebuilt the innings with Najab Khan.

What it means before the Sri Lanka series

Pakistan's selectors will have watched both innings closely. Babar remains Pakistan's Test captain and their most important batter, but his form is now a genuine concern with a home series starting in three days.

Rizwan, meanwhile, has done everything he could to press his case. A double century, made at a good tempo and under pressure, is exactly the kind of innings that demands attention. Whether it is enough to change the selectors' thinking remains to be seen.

The contrast could hardly be sharper: one smashed his bat in frustration, the other raised his bat for a double hundred. Both will be central to Pakistan's plans against Sri Lanka, but only one is arriving in form. For a refresher on the formats, read our cricket formats explained guide.

FAQ

Why did Babar Azam smash his bat?

Babar was dismissed for 42 against FATA, caught behind off Shahid Aziz after a loose drive, and smashed his bat on the pitch in frustration.

How many runs did Babar Azam score in the match?

Babar scored 28 in the first innings and 42 in the second innings for Lahore Whites against FATA.

What did Mohammad Rizwan score?

Rizwan made an unbeaten 200 from 252 balls for Peshawar Blues against Faisalabad, with 35 fours and one six. Peshawar declared on 503 for 4.

When does Pakistan play Sri Lanka?

Pakistan's home Test series against Sri Lanka begins on 9 November in Rawalpindi.