IND vs PAK: Babar Azam Consistently Converts His 30s And 40s Into Hundred - Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Pakistan captain Babar Azam. Shastri said that Babar Azam converts his 30s and 40s into hundreds consistently.

Shastri’s words arrive after Babar Azam’s recent century against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. The right-handed batsman shattered 151 runs in the match to score his 31st international century. It was his 19th ton in ODIs.

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Babar Azam Consistently Turns His 30s And 40s Into Hundreds: Ravi Shastri

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, former Indian all-rounder Ravi Shastri hailed Babar Azam for his ability to convert his starts into centuries consistently.

“Babar consistently turns his 30s and 40s into hundreds, which is crucial. Often we encourage players to go out and face a multitude of balls, but it’s the hundred from one of your top three that enables a 300-plus score,” Shastri said.

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Ravi Shastri, who played for India from 1981 to 1992, also praised Sri Lanka for their fielding. He also feels that India can emerge as a formidable opponent in Asia Cup 2023 if they elevate their fielding.

“Sri Lanka, the last Asia Cup champions, owe much of their victory to their fielding. They’ve maintained their status as the best fielding side in the subcontinent since 1996, last Asia Cup notwithstanding. In Sri Lankan conditions, they are the ones to watch. However, should India elevate their fielding level, they could emerge as a formidable opponent,” the 61-year-old said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan defeated Nepal by 238 runs in their opening match of Asia Cup 2023. With centuries by Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed, Pakistan piled up 342-6 in 1st innings.

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Later, they bowled out Nepal for just 104, with a 4-wicket haul by Shadab Khan. Pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf hunted 2 scalps each. For Nepal, Sompal Kami hit the most 28 runs for the team.

Now, Pakistan will face India in Asia Cup 2023. The IND vs PAK clash takes place on September 2 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. India, Pakistan, and Nepal are part of Group A in Asia Cup 2023.