Babar Azam reveals his ultimate goal; opens up on heartbreaking T20 WC loss to Zimbabwe

Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has not been in the best of his forms for the national side in the past few months. Babar didn’t play as per the expectations during the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023, which was one of the major reasons behind the team’s early exit from both tournaments. Babar only scored against low-ranked teams and struggled to play against quality attacks such as India, England, New Zealand, and Australia.

Babar Azam also stepped down as the captain of the team from all the formats after the debacle in the ODI World Cup 2023. This didn’t bring any change in Babar’s form and he once again struggled with the bat against Australia in the three-match Test series held earlier this month. Australia whitewashed Pakistan by 3-0.

However, Babar Azam played a few decent knocks during the T20I series against New Zealand and signaled his way back to form. However, Babar was not able to win matches for his team, which resulted in a 4-1 loss in the five-match series.

Babar Azam opens up on his future plans for Pakistan

Babar Azam recently came live on his Twitter Space. Babar opened up on many issues and his plans. One such issue and aspect was the T20 World Cup 2024. Babar aims to win the tournament for Pakistan after 2009. Pakistan qualified for the semi-final and final of the previous two editions of the T20 World Cup. Babar Azam said, “My goal is to win the T20 World Cup 2024 for Pakistan.”

The previous edition of the T20 World Cup had a lot of twists and turns for Pakistan. Pakistan faced two back-to-back losses against India and Zimbabwe and they were nearly eliminated from the tournament. Pakistan faced a disappointing 1-run defeat against Zimbabwe which broke the hearts of many Pakistani fans. Babar also reflected on the feeling after the match and stated that he went emotional. Babar added that it was a sad day for the team and was very heartbreaking. He said, “We lost to Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2022 and it was a very sad day for us. I got emotional and it was very heartbreaking for me.”

The Pakistani team had to win their remaining games against the Netherlands and South Africa if they wished to be alive in the tournament. However, they didn’t have their fortunes in hand as they could have only made a place in the knockouts if the Netherlands had been defeated. However, things went in Pakistan’s favor and they were through to the semis. Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the semi-finals and faced England in the final. However, England proved to be too much for Pakistan in the final and won their second T20 World Cup title.

Babar Azam has also played a lot of quality knocks and has helped Pakistan win many games. During the session, Babar was asked about his favorite knocks. Babar stated his century against Australia in Brisbane and 196 in Karachi are his favorite Test knocks. His 158-run knock in England and a century against New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup are his favourite innings in the 50-over format whereas 122 run innings against South Africa in a T20I match is one of his favourite innings.

He said, “My favourite Test knock for Pakistan is my century in Brisbane vs Australia and 196 runs in Karachi. In England, I scored 158 runs in an ODI and also 101* against New Zealand in the World Cup. I rate 122 vs South Africa in T20I cricket too.”

Babar Azam is currently part of the Bangladesh Premier League 2024.