Babar Azam’s top T20I innings: A look at the captain’s best performances
Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, is one of the best batsmen in the world. He is known for his consistent performances in all formats of the game, especially in T20Is. As Babar prepares to play his 100th Men’s T20I, we take a look at some of his top innings in the format.
On Friday, April 14th, Babar will join the league of Pakistan players who have appeared in 100 Men’s T20Is, including Shoaib Malik (123) and Mohammad Hafeez (119). Babar, recognized for his confident batting approach, forms a dominant opening partnership with Mohammad Rizwan in T20Is.
122 off 59 v South Africa, Centurion, 2021
Babar Azam’s innings of 122 off 59 against South Africa in Centurion in 2021 is one of the best T20I innings ever played. Babar’s aggressive approach from the start helped Pakistan chase a formidable total of 204 in just 19.4 overs. Babar hit 15 boundaries and four sixes in his innings, showing his prowess in all areas of the ground. Despite his dismissal when Pakistan needed only seven runs to win, Babar’s innings were crucial in setting up the victory for his team.
110* off 66 v England, Karachi, 2022
Babar Azam’s unbeaten innings of 110 off 66 against England in Karachi in 2022 was another display of his batting prowess. Chasing a target of 200, Babar and his opening partner Mohammad Rizwan put up a partnership of 197 runs, with Babar being the dominant partner. Babar hit nine boundaries and four sixes in his innings, showcasing his ability to hit the ball with precision and power. Pakistan chased down the target with 14 balls to spare, with Babar hitting the winning runs.
97* off 58 v West Indies, Karachi, 2018
Babar’s innings of 97* off 58 against West Indies in Karachi in 2018 was a display of his class and elegance. Babar played the anchor role in the innings, hitting 13 boundaries and a six in his knock. He put up a partnership of 119 runs with Hussain Talat, who himself scored 63 runs, helping Pakistan post a total of 205/3. The Pakistani bowlers then restricted the West Indies to 123/9, securing a comfortable victory for their team.
79* off 53 v New Zealand, Christchurch, 2022
Babar Azam’s innings of 79* off 53 against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2022 was a masterclass in T20 batting. Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan lost early wickets, with Mohammad Rizwan being dismissed for just 5 runs. Babar then took on the responsibility of rebuilding the innings, hitting seven boundaries and two sixes in his innings. He put up partnerships of 50 and 59 runs with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez respectively, guiding Pakistan to victory with an over to spare.
68* off 52 v India, Dubai, 2021
Babar’s innings of 68* off 52 against India in the 2021 T20 World Cup was a crucial knock that helped Pakistan secure its first-ever victory over India in the tournament’s history. Chasing a target of 152, Babar put up a partnership of 67 runs with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 47 runs, guiding Pakistan to victory with 13 balls to spare. Babar hit six boundaries and a six in his innings, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
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Babar’s performances in T20Is have been exceptional, and he has proven himself to be one of the best batsmen in the world. His ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground, along with his class and elegance, make him a treat for Pakistan.
