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IND vs PAK: Skipper Babar Azam Lauds Pakistan Players After Reaching Number One Rank In ODIs

By Sai Vaitla

Published - 27 Aug 2023, 12:53 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM

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Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq (Image Credits: Twitter)

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam credited his players for reaching the top spot in the latest ICC Men’s ODI team rankings. Babar Azam admitted that the series victory against Afghanistan will boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, which is set to commence on August 30.

Pakistan whitewashed the Hashmatullah Shahidi-led team in the recently concluded three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. The Men in Green registered 142 runs in the first ODI in Hambantota. They beat the opposition by one wicket and 59 runs in the next two matches, respectively.

This Should Help Us In Asia Cup – Babar Azam

Speaking after the series victory, skipper Babar Azam said that his players played well against the world-class spin bowling attack consisting of Mujeeb ur Rahman, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi.

“We are number one in ODIs. All credit to the boys, they are working hard. We had a small camp in Lahore. All credit to the boys and the management. One of the best spin sides – Afghanistan. This should help us in Asia Cup,” he said.

“The conditions weren’t easy while batting first. Rizwan and I tried to build a partnership and take it deep. We have a good bunch of players. We tried different combinations,” he added.

Pakistan were in second place with 115.8 rating points prior to the series against Afghanistan. The Men in Green snatched the No. 1 ranking in the 50-over format from Australia. Pakistan now have 118.48 rating points, while Australia is in second place with 118 rating points.

Pakistan Beat Afghanistan By 59 Runs In Third ODI

Pakistan’s cricket team beat the Afghan team by 59 runs in the third match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday, August 26. Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knock of 67 runs in challenging batting conditions.

Pakistan set a target of 269 runs after opting to bat first. Babar Azam (60) and Rizwan helped the team reach a competitive total. Pakistan’s bowlers bundled out the opposition for 209 runs. Mujeeb Ur Rahman hit the fastest ODI half century for Afghanistan, scoring 64 runs off 37 balls.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Pakistan Climb To No.1 Spot In ODI Rankings Following Series Victory Against Afghanistan

Tagged:

Asia Cup 2023 Babar Azam IND vs PAK 2023 India vs Pakistan 2023 Pakistan National Cricket Team
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