'Not a concern': 118 runs in four innings, no fifty in tri-series but Babar Azam still has Pakistan's backing

Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith has backed Babar Azam despite the batter's recent struggles to score big, saying there is no reason to worry as Pakistan prepare to face Sri Lanka in the tri-series final on Saturday.Pakistan suffered their first defeat of the series on Tuesday, losing to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Lahore. Babar top-scored for Pakistan with 29, but the team's batting lineup collapsed as they were bowled out for just 110.Babar has scored 118 runs in four innings in the tri-series but is yet to register a half-century. Although the former Pakistan captain has managed to get starts in each innings, he has been unable to turn them into bigger scores.Smith, however, is not concerned about Babar's form. He pointed to Pakistan's unbeaten run before Tuesday's defeat as a sign of the team's overall performance."It is definitely not a cause for concern," Smith said as per the ICC website."The hardest part of batting in cricket is getting established at the crease, and Babar is doing that effortlessly. Had he converted one of those solid starts into a substantial century, this would not even be a topic of discussion. That is the nature of elite international sport—you cannot deliver a peak performance every single time. Those who truly understand the game can see how well he is striking the ball. We have zero doubt that a big score is imminent, and when it comes, it will be magnificent to watch," he added.Pakistan's batting collapse on Tuesday was led by Sri Lanka pacer Dilshan Madushanka, who took five wickets. The left-arm bowler troubled the hosts with the new ball and returned later in the innings to help bowl them out for 110. Sri Lanka then completed the chase comfortably.Smith admitted that the defeat was not the ideal preparation for the final but said it would not affect Pakistan's chances of winning the title."That defeat will have no bearing whatsoever on the final," Smith said."In a tri-series of this caliber against quality opposition, very few teams remain undefeated throughout. A setback at some point is expected. Losing the game leading into the final changes nothing. Ultimately, a final comes down to whichever team handles the pressure best on the day and executes under strain to lift the trophy," he said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.