Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam has further cemented his reputation as a world-class batsman with a series of remarkable feats in recent Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.
These accomplishments solidify his position among the elite players in the format’s history.
Surpassing Kohli’s Record for Most 50+ Scores:
Azam etched his name in the record books by surpassing Indian batsman Virat Kohli’s tally for the most scores exceeding 50 runs in T20I cricket. In the crucial final match against Ireland, Azam displayed his exceptional batting prowess with a commanding innings of 75 runs. This achievement elevates him above Kohli’s previous record of 38 fifty-plus scores, a testament to Azam’s consistent ability to build substantial innings.
First Pakistani Batsman to Notch 25 Runs in an Over:
Beyond his consistent scoring, Azam also displayed remarkable power-hitting prowess. He became the first Pakistani batsman ever to score a staggering 25 runs in a single T20I over during the Ireland match. This feat showcased his aggressive batting style, as he dispatched four sixes off bowler Benjamin White, alongside a single run. This achievement further demonstrates Azam’s versatility as a batsman, capable of adapting to different match situations.
Babar-Rizwan Partnership Sets New Benchmark:
Azam’s success wasn’t achieved in isolation. Partnering with him was the equally impressive wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Together, they established a new benchmark for partnerships in T20I cricket. Their blistering knocks in the Ireland match resulted in a monumental 139-run partnership. Notably, this marks their 10th-century stand in T20 internationals, solidifying their position as the most successful batting duo in the format’s history. Furthermore, their partnership surpassed the 3,000-run mark, a historic milestone for any batting pair.
These record-breaking performances by Babar Azam solidify his position as a dominant force in T20I cricket. His consistent scoring, aggressive power-hitting, and ability to build strong partnerships consistently pose a significant challenge for opposing teams.