Tag: Babar Azam

Babar Azam reclaims No.1 spot in ICC T20I batting rankings

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: The number ODI batter, and Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam has also reclaimed the top rank in International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I batting rankings, announced on Wednesday.

Babar, who was in poor form in the recent two series, found his rhythm in the last T20I against West Indies; scoring 79 off 52 balls. This brilliant performance helped Babar reclaiming the top spot in the T20I batting rankings.

Alongside Babar, his opening partner in T20Is, and highest run-getter in a calendar year in T20s, Mohammad Rizwan, also moved up in the ranking chart; claiming the third position.

The Pakistani duo, have had a stellar year as both the Pakistani batters tumbles various records with the bat, this year.

Taking to Twitter, the ICC announced the rankings.

“Babar Azam surges to the top, Mohammad Rizwan into the top three. Significant gains for Pakistan batters in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Player Rankings,” the cricket council wrote.

In the updated rankings announced last week, Babar lost his top-position; having replaced by England’s Dawid Malan. Malan, however, is still the joint top-ranked batter.

READ: Records tumble during Pak-West Indies third T20I

Babar loses top spot in T20I batting rankings

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s skipper and current ODI number 1 batter, Babar Azam has slipped to the third position in the T20I batting rankings.

Following his poor form in the ongoing series against West Indies and the previous series against Bangladesh, Babar, struggled to pile up runs. The International Cricket Council (ICC) updated the rankings on their website, today.

The batter could only score 27 runs in a three match T20I series against Bangladesh.

In the ongoing series, Babar, too, struggling to get going as the batter scored a duck and seven runs, in the first and second T20I respectively.

Former top-ranked T20I batter, England’s Dawid Malan replaced Babar on top of the chart. Whereas, Babar slipped to third position. Aiden Markram also climbed up; claiming second spot.

On the other hand, in T20I Bowling rankings, Shadab Khan stormed into the top-10, claiming ninth position.

READ: Babar Azam reclaims No.1 spot in ICC T20I batting rankings

“Doesn’t matter if the key players don’t come,” Babar Azam

Posted on by A Sports

KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Team captain, Babar Azam, talked to the media in an interview before the Pakistan-West Indies series.

The captain, Babar, welcomed the West Indian team to the country and said that the opposition is strong enough.

“Many West Indian players have played in Pakistan Super League. Doesn’t matter if their key players didn’t come, we will not consider them as a weak unit,” he said.

Babar also said that the team has been playing brilliantly, we will try to keep the winning momentum going.

“Our successful run is going on, we will thrive to put all our effort and win the home series. Our players are working hard and as a result, the team is tasting the success,” he said.

The captain also shared that it is essential to provide a good environment for the team.

“It is important to create a good environment for the Pakistan team. It is the captain’s job to inspire and support the team,” he said.

“Saqlain Mushtaq has always supported me, he says that Pakistan should be the priority for everyone,” he added.

Talking about the current situation of the COVID-19 among West Indian players, Babar said it is not easy to live in isolation because of the virus.

“My teammates have gone through this situation, If a player returns positive, then the team combination gets disturbed,” he concluded.

Moreover, the Pakistani skipper also feels joyed that the series will be played in front of the full capacity crowd.

The T20I and ODI series between Pakistan and the West Indies will take place from December 13 to December 22. The National Stadium Karachi will host both series matches.

READ: Chase, Cottrell, Mayers tested COVID-19 positive: WI Cricket confirms

WATCH: Babar bowls first international over, leaves Internet in excitement

Posted on by A Sports

DHAKA: Pakistani skipper Babar Azam bowled his first over in international cricket and gained massive attention on the internet. 

Babar, leading Pakistan in the Test series against Bangladesh, came out to bowl 26th over on Day 4 of the second Test between the two nations, underway here at Shere Bangla Cricket Stadium.

The skipper conceded just a run in his only over and also missed a wicket merely.

Here’s how netizens reacted on Babar’s first international over:

READ: ‘Captain asked us to attack on them with winning approach’ Sajid Khan

Babar Azam named Karachi Kings’ captain for PSL 7

Posted on by A Sports

KARACHI: World number 1 T20I batter Babar Azam has been named as the captain of Karachi Kings on Tuesday for the upcoming seventh season of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

According to franchise, their owner Mr Salman Iqbal acknowledged the leadership skills of Babar and handed him the responsibility.

“Babar will now take Kings to the heights,” Kings’ owner said.

“He has been a part of Kings for six years and heart of this franchise,” he added.

Kings’ newly appointed skipper thanked Kings’ management for the opportunity and said he likes to enjoy the responsibilities given.

“Kings and Mr Salman trusted me and gave me the opportunity to lead, I will strive for 100% performance and I always enjoy taking responsibility.”, he said.

Babar also thanked the fans of Kings and said they are like a family to him.

“The way Kings’ fans support, gives a lot of confidence to me. Kings have already won a title, I will try to play well in the next season”, he concluded.

Babar, along with Salman, appreciated the performance of Kings under Imad Wasim’s captaincy and said Kings had a successful time under Imad’s leadership.

Babar is currently the highest run-scorer of PSL with 2,070 runs in just 56 innings. He is also the leading run-getter for the Kings.

READ: Permaul’s fifer put West Indies in commanding position.

Bowlers’ day at Chittagong as Bangladesh take the lead in first test

Posted on by A Sports

CHITTAGONG: Tajiul Aslam dismantled Pakistan’s batting order to get Tigers in the commanding position but Bangladesh top order failed in the second innings.

Pakistan, resuming at the overnight score of 145/0, could not make the most of the situation as the debutant opener Abdullah Shafique was sent back to the pavilion without disturbing the scoreboard as the batter went out without scoring a run on day 3. He was trapped in legs on 52 by Tajiul.

Abid Ali was looking firm at one end as the batter went on to score a magnificent century (133 off 282 deliveries) but Green shirts’ strong middle order kept tumbling at the other end and the side lost their five wickets for just 61 runs. Pakistan’s all-rounder and lower-order batter – Faheem Ashraf showed resistance but he was too sent back to the pavilion on 38 by Tajiul. Pakistan’s tail did little to resist and Pakistan in the end were bowled out for 286, handing the Tigers 44 runs lead.

Pakistani skipper – Babar Azam could not keep going in Bangladesh as the batter got out for just 10, wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan scored just 5 (38). Fawad Alam could only score 8 (15) and Pakistan’s most experienced batter in the side – Azhar Ali, bagged a golden duck.

Tajiul proved out to be the stand-out bowler for the Tigers as the spinner took 7 wickets for 116. Ebadat Hossain bagged two wickets. Whereas, Mehidy Hassan dismissed one batter.

Bangladesh started their second innings with a 44-runs lead but their top order failed to capitalize on the given opportunity as they had no answers to Pakistan’s bowling attack. Tigers lost their first wicket with just 14 on the board as their opening batter Shadman Islam was sent back to the pavilion on 1 by Shaheen Shah Afridi. A ball later the bowler dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck. Hassan Ali then also joined the party as the bowler dismissed the skipper Mominul Haque for a duck.

Bangladesh at the end of day-three, finished with 39/4 with the lead of 83 runs. Wicket-keeper batter Mushfiqur Rahim, not-out on 12, and Yasir Ali (8*) will resume the innings tomorrow for the Tigers.

Afridi, who dismantled the Bangladesh’s top-order, took three wickets for just 6 runs. Hasan Ali took one wicket for 19.

READ: Hasan takes fifer before Abid-Abdullah set Pakistan on top

Babar, Rizwan are world best but need to improve in powerplay’ ‘Inzamam

Posted on by shoaib.jatt

LAHORE: Pakistan’s former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq believes that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan need to improve batting in the powerplay. 

Speaking exclusively in ARY News’ show Bouncer, Inzamam said Babar and Rizwan have achieved several records but they could have done more better according to their strength.

“Babar and Rizwan are no doubt, world-class batsmen, currently. They have achieved so much in the recent past together and leading Pakistan’s batting quite well. But, I think they need to improve their batting in the powerplay and later on till 10th over,” he said.

“If you take an example of our semi-final against Australia, the way Warner batted in first 10 overs, it made a major difference. In modern-day cricket, you have to be aggressive in initial overs especially in the T20 format. The first 10 overs are too crucial for any team to change the game,” he explained.

Babar’s inspiration

Inzamam refused that Babar is continuously in contact with him. “I haven’t contacted Babar throughout this T20 World Cup. I don’t know who is saying that Babar is in contact with me or I contact him, but it is untrue,” he said.

Credit to Saqlain

The former Test cricketer gave full credit to Pakistan’s interim coach Saqlain for the team’s performance in the mega event.

“Saqlain has more coaching experience than Matthew Hayden. He has done a great job with the team and all credit goes to him,” he said.

“Saqlain doesn’t like to come in the limelight to take the credit. It is his way of working and he does it so well,” Inzamam praised.

READ: Fakhar, Rizwan lead Pakistan to T20I series win over Bangladesh

‘Babar doesn’t need to do something new’ suggests PCB chairman

Posted on by A Sports

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairman Ramiz Raja suggested skipper Babar Azam to not try anything new in the semi-final against Australia in T20 World Cup 2021. 

In a video released by the PCB, the chairman said Pakistan has performed really well in the group stage, they just now need to play fearless cricket.

“Pakistan outplayed every team in the T20 World Cup. They displayed a positive brand of cricket and they need to continue this winning momentum,” he said.

“Our players must play fearless cricket. Babar doesn’t need to do something new. They need to carry the winning momentum,” he added.

READ: ‘Babar is consistent, not aggressive like Kohli’ Matthew Hayden

‘Babar is consistent, not aggressive like Kohli’ Matthew Hayden

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s batting consultant in T20 World Cup 2021, Matthew Hayden shared his observation regarding the difference between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli. 

Speaking to the media virtually, Hayden said Kohli is aggressive whereas Babar is calm, composed, and consistent which makes him different from the ex-Indian skipper.

“For me, Babar is more calm, composed, and consistent as compared to Kohli. Kohli is a bit aggressive and we have seen it often. Babar is different from him and currently one of the best batters in the world,” he said.

Pakistan vs Australia – Semi-final

Hayden is confident to prepare Pakistani boys strongly for their match against his home country Australia in the second semi-final of T20 World Cup 2021.

“I have played for Australia for almost two decades. I know the mindset of Aussies. They are a really good side and the match is going to be tough for both the teams,” he said.

“Pakistan has played quality cricket so far in the tournament and they are confident to carry the momentum. The team contains talented players who are capable of beating any team on their day. I hope, collectively we come out strongly tomorrow and give tough time to opponents,” he maintained.

READ: ‘Hasan is match-winner, can’t even think of dropping him’ Babar Azam

‘Hasan is match-winner, can’t even think of dropping him’ Babar Azam

Posted on by A Sports

DUBAI: Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam believes that not all 11 players of a team can perform at the same time and it’s the captain’s responsibility to back those who are in bad touch. 

Speaking to the media before the all-important T20 World Cup semi-finals, Babar hinted at no change in the Pakistan team for their knock-out game against Australia on November 11 here at Dubai International Stadium.

“Not all 11 players can perform at the same time. Those who are not performing, we need to back them. The captain is responsible to give confidence to his players and try to make a calm environment around them,” he said.

“As far Hasan Ali is concerned, he is a match-winner and won many matches and a tournament for Pakistan. I know his current form is not good but being a captain, I can’t even think of dropping him at this stage. I know his strength, he is a big-match player and I hope he will perform against Australia in the semi-final,” the skipper answered a question.

Babar was also asked about out-of-touch Fakhar Zaman and the skipper’s answer was the same.

Moreover, the Pakistani captain is confident to continue their unbeaten performance in the tournament by overcoming the weakness in the available time before the semi-final.

“See, there is always room for improvement. And to improve, you sit down with your players and management, talk about those weaknesses and try to find out solutions. I believe in this team and we can do it. We will try to counter our weaknesses and give our hundred percent in the semi-final,” he said.

Meanwhile, Babar urged Pakistani fans to pray for the Pakistan team as they aim for a solid performance against Australia. “I am thankful to all the fans for their support. We gave our best and will try to continue the same momentum. I want all the fans to pray for us and support us in the big game,” he concluded.

READ: Australia confirm their tour to Pakistan after 23 years