Star Pakistan batter and skipper Babar Azam has been phenomenal throughout his career. In just 109 one-day international innings, Babar has scored 19 centuries and has been one of the greatest batters in the modern era. However, despite his amazing batting performances, Babar has yet to win a crucial trophy under his captaincy tenure.
In the upcoming months, he will have a golden opportunity to lead his team to two crucial victories. Babar has started chasing his dream as Pakistan beat Nepal in the first match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. Babar, along with Ifthikhar Ahmed, dismantled the Nepali bowling line-up and registered a crucial victory in the tournament. He also produced an amazing performance in the game and proved to be the best batter on the team. So in today’s article, we will discuss his top three performances in the ODI Asia Cup.
3. 66 vs. Afghanistan in 2018
After batting first in Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 257/6 in 50 overs. Star batter Hasmatullah Shahidi and skipper Asgar Afghan helped Afghanistan score a competitive total. In response, Pakistan got the worst possible start as opener Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for a duck. However, Babar Azam had some other plans, as he and Imam-Ul-Haq added 154 runs for the second wicket.
Babar, in his innings, scored 66 runs off 94 balls with the help of four fours and a six. With this fighting knock, Babar created the most important base for the run chase, which lately has helped his team win the game. With a spare of three balls, Pakistan won the game and advanced further in the tournament.
2. 47 vs. India in 2018
After being called to bat first, Pakistan got the worst possible start. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-Ul-Haq were dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar in just four overs as he pushed Pakistan way back in the game. At the crucial stage of the game, Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik formed a crucial partnership.
Babar, in his innings, scored 47 runs off 62 balls but was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav. His fighting innings failed to rescue Pakistan, who were bowled out for 162. In response, India skipper Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan registered half centuries and led India to a comfortable victory.
1. 151 vs. Nepal in 2023
Five years later, Babar Azam went into the Asia Cup as skipper of Pakistan and also as the world’s No. 1 ODI batter. In the season opener against Nepal, Babar smashed a magnificent century as he registered 151 runs. In his innings, Babar broke many records and became the first skipper to score 150 or more runs in the Asia Cup.
With his amazing performance, Pakistan posted a massive total of 342/6 in 50 overs. In response, debutant Nepal failed to hold their nerves and lost the game. Nepal were bowled out for a mere 104 runs in 23.4 overs. Spinner Shadab Khan took four wickets and sealed the game for the hosts.