Babar Azam. (Photo Source: ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images)
Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is counted among the greatest batters of the modern era in international cricket. Babar is currently ranked number 1 in ICC ODI batters rankings and recently became the fastest batter to complete 5000 runs in the format during the fourth ODI vs New Zealand on May 05, 2023.
In his 100-match-long ODI career, the Pakistan captain has scored 5089 runs at an average of 59.17 and a strike rate of 89.24 with 18 hundreds to his name. Recently, he was asked about his favourite innings from his eight-year-long ODI career. The 28-year-old chose his unbeaten knock of 101* off 127 balls against New Zealand during the ICC ODI World Cup 2019.
“The ton against New Zealand was very memorable. We restricted them for a good total. It became cloudy I think there was a bit of rain in the air. After that, the spinners started to get a lot of help. Then it became a little difficult. I and Haris could build a partnership from there, on the game started to change. We decided to play spinner as if we were playing a Test match,” said Babar in an interview on Pakistan Cricket’s social media handle.
During the game, Pakistan were chasing a target of 238 and were 110/3 after 24.5 overs. Babar and Haris Sohail (68 off 76) added 126 runs for the fourth wicket to help their side chase down the target with five balls to spare having six wickets in hand.
Babar Azam scored a hundred during fourth ODI vs NZ
Recently, during the fourth ODI against NZ, the Pakistan skipper scored a brilliant 107 off 117 balls to help his side post a massive score of 334/6 in the first innings. In reply, New Zealand were bundled out for 232 handing a massive 102-run victory to the hosts.
Notably, in the year 2023, the Lahore-born cricketer has scored 425 runs in eight innings at an average of 53.12 with one hundred and four fifties to his name. Babar’s form is a great sign for Pakistan ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to take place in India in October-November.