Babar Azam Breaks World Record as Pakistan Draws T20I Series Against New Zealand
News Mania / Agnibeena Ghosh/ 29th April 2024
Pakistan clinched a thrilling victory against New Zealand in the final T20I of the five-match series, leveling the series at 2-2 after the first match was abandoned due to rain. This series held immense significance for Pakistan as it served as ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, slated to commence in June. Moreover, the series witnessed the return of Babar Azam to the captaincy of the Pakistan team in the shortest format, taking over from Shaheen Afridi.
Babar Azam showcased his prowess in the final game, delivering a masterful performance with the bat. He scored a blistering half-century, propelling Pakistan to victory and simultaneously smashing a significant world record in T20Is. Babar’s innings of 69 runs off 44 balls featured six boundaries and two sixes, elevating him to a historic milestone in T20I cricket.
With this remarkable display, Babar Azam surpassed Paul Stirling to become the player with the most fours in T20I history. His tally of 409 fours in just 108 innings eclipses the previous record and underscores his exceptional batting prowess on the international stage. Notably, Babar has surpassed renowned batsmen like Virat Kohli, establishing himself as a dominant force in T20 cricket.
The magnitude of Babar’s achievement becomes evident when compared to other top performers in T20 cricket. His record-breaking feat places him at the pinnacle of the sport, reflecting his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. Additionally, Babar Azam equaled another world record in the same match, joining Uganda’s Brian Masaba as the captain with the most wins in T20I history.
Babar’s leadership and batting brilliance were pivotal in Pakistan’s victory against New Zealand. Supported by a stellar bowling performance from Shaheen Afridi, who claimed four wickets, and contributions from Fakhar Zaman with the bat, Pakistan posted a formidable total of 178/5. Despite New Zealand’s valiant effort, they fell short, managing only 169 runs in their chase.
Reflecting on the series, Babar emphasized the importance of proactive batting, strategic field placement, and effective strike rotation. He highlighted Pakistan’s experimentation with different combinations and batting orders throughout the series, indicating a focus on improvement in various aspects of their game.
As Pakistan celebrates their hard-fought victory and series draw against New Zealand, Babar Azam’s exceptional performance serves as a testament to his talent and leadership qualities. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Babar’s form and captaincy will be crucial for Pakistan’s aspirations in the tournament.
