Watch: Babar Azam silences his critics as he hits historic List A century
Published - 19 Sep 2024, 08:22 PM | Updated - 19 Sep 2024, 08:24 PM
Babar Azam, on Thursday (September 19), roared back to form with a fine century during the game between the Stallions and the Dolphins in the ongoing Champions One-Day Cup.
The right-handed batsman got the starts in the previous two games of the competition but could not convert them into big scores although he was the highest scorer for his team in both the games. In the Stallions' first game against the Lions, Babar Azam scored 76 runs off 79 balls, helping his side post a big total of 336 runs.
Stallions went on to win the game by 113 runs. In the second game, Stallions suffered a crushing 126-run defeat at the hands of Markhors while chasing 232 runs. Babar Azam managed to impress in that game as well. In an innings where none of his teammates could reach even 20 runs, he scored run-a-ball 45.
On Saturday, the Pakistan captain made the most of his form and scored a brilliant century against the Dolphins. The Stallions were in a good position when Babar walked to bat at number three. Shan Masood and Yasir Khan had shared a 76-run stand for the opening wicket.
The Stallions, however, lost a few wickets in quick succession to find themselves 4 down for 162 runs in the 34th over. The onus was on Babar Azam to guide his team to a good score and the right-handed batsman did not disappoint.
He remained till the end, scoring an unbeaten century to guide his side to a competitive total of 271/7. With wickets falling at one end, Babar remained cautious and completed his fifty off 65 balls with the help of four boundaries.
However, he switched the gears at the right time and accelerated well to take his team to a 270-plus total. Babar remained unbeaten on 104 runs off 100 balls. He completed his century with a four on the fifth ball of the last over.
His knock was studded with seven fours and three sixes. Apart from Babar, no other Stallions batter could reach the 50-run mark. Babar looked like a relieved man after the century and would be hoping that his knock would help him silence his critics.
Watch as Babar Azam celebrates his century:
The moment Babar Azam reached his 30th century in List A cricket ❤️❤️❤️
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 19, 2024
Never doubt Babar in this format, just never do it 🇵🇰🔥🔥#DiscoveringChampions #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/UlyJdIXeRH
Meanwhile, the century was a historic one as Babar became the first-ever Pakistani batsman to hit 30 List-A centuries. The century was his first List A century since the ton against Nepal in the Asia Cup last year. Babar would be hoping that his fortunes finally change after his latest century and he rediscovers his mojo.
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Babar Azam Stallions Pakistan national cricket team Champions One-Day Cup PAK vs ENG Pakistan vs England