[Watch] Babar Azam contradicts David Warner's 'protect the average' dig by finishing 2nd AUS vs PAK 2024 ODI with a six 

Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam issued an instant response against an on-air comment by David Warner regarding his average by smashing a six off Adam Zampa to seal a nine-wicket win in the second ODI against Australia. He remained unbeaten on 15 as the Men in Green leveled the series at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, November 8, with a game to spare.

Babar Azam only had the task of knocking about and polishing off the remaining runs as Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique put on 137 runs for the opening wicket in the paltry 164-run chase.

The task of closing out the match fell on Babar Azam after the scores were level ahead of the 27th over. The right-handed batter played out a couple of dot balls, leading to Warner remarking that the batter was trying to be cautious and not take a risk to protect his average.

Warner remarked to Mark Waugh and Mark Howard in the commentary box that he would try and finish it off in style because that is what the crowd wants to see.

"Just get a one or just try and take it on? Well, protect the average. Without a doubt, without a doubt (about launching it to the stands). That's what the crowds are here for! They wanna see that," Warner said during commentary

In the third ball of the over, Babar dispatched a half-tracker by the leg-spinner to deep mid-wicket for a six and seal the nine-wicket win.

Babar Azam finding form after being dropped during the England series

The former Pakistan skipper endured a forgettable home season, not being among the runs against Bangladesh and England. The new selection committee did not include Babar Azam for the latter half of the Test series against England, while he also relinquished his white-ball captaincy during this timeframe.

Coming into the white-ball series against Australia with a fresh mindset, Babar showed glimpses of his former self. He looked in sublime touch in the series opener in Melbourne, scoring 37 runs off 44 deliveries before being bowled by Adam Zampa.