Top 3 performances of Babar Azam in international cricket

Babar Azam has been lauded as the best Pakistani batter in contemporary cricket. He is often compared to legendary Virat Kohli for his proficiency in ODI and T20I cricket.

Babar has scored 4235 runs at an average of 42.77 in 59 Tests, including nine centuries and 29 half-centuries, with the highest score of 196. He has made 6291 runs at an average of 54.23 and a strike rate of 87.63 in 134 ODIs, including 19 centuries and 37 fifties, with the best score of 158.w

He has been mercurial in T20Is, scoring 4223 runs at a strike rate of 129.22 in 128 games, including three centuries and 36 fifties, with the best score of 122.

As he celebrates his 31st birthday, let’s take a look at the three best performances of Babar Azam in international cricket.

Here are the top 3 performances of Babar Azam in international cricket:

3. 196 vs Australia, Karachi, 2022

Pakistan and Australia clashed in the second Test in Karachi of the 2022 series. Australia batted first and scored 556/9d, with Usman Khawaja making 160. They then dismissed Pakistan for 148 and declared their second innings at 97/2, setting Pakistan a target of 506.

Australia dismissed Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, and Fawad Alam for single-digit scores, but then Abdullah Shafique (96) and Babar Azam formed a huge partnership. Babar stood out in particular, scoring 196 runs in 425 balls with 21 fours and one six. He was at the crease for 603 minutes, making sure Australia bowlers could not penetrate into the lower order. His highest test score helped Pakistan pull off an incredible draw.

2. 101* vs New Zealand, Birmingham, 2019 World Cup

This was the knock that put Babar Azam at a pedestal in the World Cup. Pakistan and New Zealand clashed in Birmingham in the 33rd match of the ICC World Cup in 2019. New Zealand chose to bat first and posted 237/6 in 50 overs. James Neesham made 97*, and Colin de Grandhomme made 64, after Pakistan had blown the Kiwi top order, reducing them to 83/5 at one stage.

Pakistan lost their openers early as well, but then Babar showed great maturity, scoring a majestic 101* in 127 balls, including 11 fours to his name. He anchored one end as Haris Sohail (68) and Mohammad Hafeez (32) scored runs freely from the other end. Pakistan won the game with six wickets in hand, and Babar became a name to be reckoned with, thanks to his Player of the Match performance.

1. 68* vs India, Dubai, 2021 T20 World Cup

While this knock might not be Babar Azam’s highest score or even his best outing, it was a significant one as it helped Pakistan register their first win in ICC World Cup events over arch-rivals India. This was the 16th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 between India and Pakistan, and Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl first.

Shaheen Afridi blew away the Indian top order, including KL Rahul (0) and Rohit Sharma (1). Despite Virat Kohli’s 57 and Rishabh Pant’s 39, India posted a below-par 151/7 in 20 overs. Shaheen took 3/31 in his four overs.

In response, Pakistan registered their only ICC World Cups, ODI, or T20Is. Mohammad Rizwan made 79* in 55 balls with six fours and three sixes, while Babar played a captain’s knock, scoring 68* in 52 balls with six fours and two sixes, as Pakistan won the game by 10 wickets, registering a historic win over rivals India.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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