PAK vs BAN 2024: Babar Azam, one of the finest batters of modern cricket, has been a cornerstone of Pakistan's batting lineup for several years now. However, his recent form in Tests has left the fans concerned. Currently, in the midst of a home Test series against Bangladesh, Babar's performance has been far from his usual standards.

The ongoing Test series against Bangladesh has been particularly challenging for Babar Azam in home conditions. In the first Test at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan endured a shocking 10-wicket defeat against Bangladesh. This marked Pakistan's first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh, a loss that shook the team and its supporters.

Babar, who is often relied upon to steady the ship, failed to lead the attack by example as he managed 0 and 22 in his two innings. He didn't turn up when it mattered before failing to provide the much-needed stability to the team that lost the plot.

The second Test did not fare much better for the 29-year-old right-handed batter in Rawalpindi. The former Pakistan captain failed to make a substantial impact again as he scored 31 in the first innings and a mere 11 in the second.

These scores reflect a worrying trend for him, who has now gone 15 innings without a fifty in Test cricket. In this tough phase, he has accumulated only 317 runs, averaging just over 20, with a highest score of 41.

The cricketer's extended poor run of form has also taken a toll on his standing in the ICC Test batting rankings. His recent performances have caused him to slip six positions, landing him at number nine. Talking about the second Test, Pakistan scored 274 in the first innings, with the help of Saim Ayub, Shan Masood and Agha Salman who scored a fifty apiece.

On the other hand, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh as he took a five-wicket haul. In reply, Bangladesh posted 262 in the first innings, courtesy of Litton Das' magnificent 138 and Mehidy Hasan's 78. Pakistan's Khurram Shahzad used the conditions to better effect and took six wickets.

In the second innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 172 runs and they led by 184 runs. The cricket fraternity is in for a mouthwatering fourth-innings chase by Bangladesh and it remains to be seen how the visitors will go about their work. Bangladesh were 42/0 when bad light stopped play on Day 4.