AFG Vs PAK: Babar Azam Achieves Elusive Feat In 50-Over Format After Thrilling 1-Wicket Win In 2nd ODI Match

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam achieved an elusive feat after the second ODI match against Afghanistan on Thursday (August 24th) at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium, Hambantota.

In the second ODI, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. In the first inning, the Pakistan bowling attack displayed a disappointing performance after a stellar inning in the first ODI match.

On Thursday, Shaheen Afridi-led bowling attack failed to dismiss Afghanistan and conceded a 300-run target after Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a 151-run knock. Ibrahim Zadran also scored 80 runs to assist his side.

Afridi took two wickets in his 10-over spell and gave away 58 runs and Naseem Shah and Usama Mir picked one wicket each. Haris Rauf who took a five-wicket haul in the first ODI match failed to take a single wicket on Thursday.

In the second inning, Imam-ul-Haq played a 91-run knock from 105 balls and scored the highest number of runs for the Men in Green.

Babar Azam scored 53 runs from 66 balls to put the visitors in a better position in the match. However, Shadab Khan’s 48-run knock at the end of the match played a major role in sealing the series.

In the second inning, the 28-year-old Pakistan skipper also engraved his name on the record books after he created history for scoring the runs highest runs (5142) after the end of the first 100 ODI matches.

Before Babar Azam, Hashim Amla was the holder of this record making 4946 runs in the first 100 50-over innings.

Currently, the Men in Green skipper holds the first place with 5142 runs, after that Hashim Amla with 4946 runs, then Viv Richards (4607), Shai Hope (4436), and Joe Root (4428).

All credit to the boys: Babar Azam after the second ODI win against Afghanistan

Following the second ODI win in the three-match series, Babar Azam gave all the credit to his teammates for showcasing high-quality batting in the second inning and added that they have to improve since they are never satisfied.

“All credit to boys. When we’re starting with the bat, we just tried to get partnerships. Just wanted to see after 40 overs where we stand. Had the quality of batting later on. In crunch situations, Naseem has performed well. Always have to improve in cricket. You’re never satisfied. Have to play the natural game. Looking forward to the last match. Looking to carry the momentum,” the 29-year-old Pakistan skipper said during a post-match presentation.

Rohit Sharma-led India will be keeping a close look at Pakistan‘s recent form since they will be facing the Men in Green in the forthcoming days in the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.