Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has once again showcased his batting prowess in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. In a thrilling encounter against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, Babar Azam notched up his 30th half-century in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
His brilliant innings played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s total of 282/7 in 50 overs, making him their top scorer for the match. This performance deserves a closer look.
Babar Azam’s Defiant Knock:
Babar’s arrival at the crease came after Pakistan lost their first wicket in the form of Imam-ul-Haq. Showing great composure and skill, Babar formed a crucial partnership of 54 runs with Abdullah Shafique for the second wicket.
As Shafique departed, Babar continued to impress and reached his 30th half-century in ODIs. His innings of 74 runs came off 92 balls and included four well-timed boundaries and a stylish six.
Babar’s Second Fifty in WC 2023:
This remarkable innings marks Babar Azam’s second half-century in the ongoing World Cup. His previous half-century, a valiant effort, was scored in a challenging encounter against India. In the tournament so far, Babar has contributed significantly with scores of 5, 10, 50, 18, and now 74. His consistency is undoubtedly an asset to the Pakistan team.
Babar’s Milestone – 5,500 Runs in ODIs:
In the course of this match, Babar achieved a significant milestone, becoming the 12th Pakistan batsman to amass 5,500-plus runs in ODI cricket. His accomplishment underscores his stature as one of the premier batsmen in contemporary cricket.
While he is now in the esteemed company of 5,500-plus run-scorers in ODIs, he remains in pursuit of legendary figures like Inzaman-ul-Haq (11,701), Mohammad Yousuf (9,554), Saeed Anwar (8,824), Shahid Afridi (8,027), and others. Babar’s journey in ODI cricket is marked by a consistent and impressive run tally, and he continues to be a linchpin for Pakistan’s batting order.
Babar Azam’s contribution to the Pakistan cricket team is undeniable, and his performance in the 2023 World Cup reinforces his position as one of the game’s top talents. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await more spectacular innings from this cricketing maestro.