PAK vs NZ: Being The Captain Of A World Cup-Winning Side... - Babar Azam Talks About His Biggest Career Goal

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam opened up about his biggest career goal of leading his side into the World Cup. He also talked about his record of becoming the fastest batter to score 5000 runs ODI runs. 

Babar Azam, who is considered the modern-day great, has been going through the purple patch in the 50-over format. He has been batted staggeringly well in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand is amongst the reasons why they are leading the series 4-0. 

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Babar Azam smashed his 18th ton in the ODIs and ended with the knock of 107 runs. He smashed 10 fours in his innings and helped his side post a total of 334 runs on the board. During his innings, he also broke Hashim Amla’s record of fastest to 5000 runs. 

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Babar achieved the feat in 97 innings whereas Amla took 101 innings. Overall in 99 games, he has scored 5088 runs at a sensational average of 59.86. Apart from the 18 centuries that he has scored, he has smashed 26b half-centuries as well. 

After becoming the fastest to the 5000 runs, Babar recalled his cricketing journey and said that it was a different feeling altogether for him when he played for Pakistan. He recalled how he along with Imam-ul-Haq used to be a ball boy.

Speaking to PCB Digital,  he said: “It was a different feeling altogether. There was some talk about me being selected, but when I got the call, there was a lot of excitement. I was sitting with my family and it made them happy. 

When I entered the Gaddafi Stadium as a Pakistan player, I reminisced my journey of how I used to come here as a ball picker and how I had come here before Inzamam-ul-Haq’s final Test match, which was against South Africa, as a net bowler.” 

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: “He Is No Less Than Don Bradman” – Ramiz Raja Compares Babar Azam To Bradman

PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam on his goal as a leader

Babar Azam further went to open up about his captaincy. He revealed that he learned a lot from Sarfaraz Khan and also said that his goal is to win the World Cup as a skipper for Pakistan.

He elaborated: “But, I learned how to manage that. I also learned a lot from how Saifi bhai [Sarfaraz Ahmed] managed the team. I used to see his demeanour on and off the field and used to ask him questions that helped me. 

The most crucial bit in leading a team is to provide clarity to each and every player and have honest and open communication with the players. This breeds positivity in the team environment and brings everyone together as a team. Being the captain of a World Cup-winning side would be sweet.” 

Babar Azam will be next seen in action when Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the fifth match of the series on Sunday (7th May).

Also Read: PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam Smashes Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, Viv Richards’ Huge Record; Becomes Fastest Batter To 5000 Runs In ODI Cricket

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