Babar Azam took his excellent form in international cricket to the Pakistan Super League as he hit a fine 77 from just 59 balls batting for Karachi Kings against Multan Sultans in Dubai on Friday.
Babar opened the innings with Liam Livingstone – who was making his PSL debut – and added 157 first the first wicket.
It looked like Karachi would definitely cross the 200-run mark but Multan hit back in the death overs, going for just about six an over to restrict Karachi to 183-6.
Nevertheless, Babar showed why he is not only the best batsman in Pakistan but also one of the premier all-format batsmen in the world. During his innings, Babar also crossed the 3,000 run mark in T20 matches.
He thus became the fastest Pakistan batsman to the mark in T20 cricket, reaching there in 92 innings. He is the fourth fastest overall, behind Shaun Marsh (85 innings), Chris Gayle (87) and Aaron Finch (90). Here we take a closer look at his innings.
STATISTICS
Runs: 77
Balls faced: 59
Fours: 6
Sixes: 1
Strike rate: 130.5
30-SECOND REPORT
Babar is at ease in all formats and conditions but its T20s where he truly blossoms. He first took charge against experienced quick Junaid Khan before Livingstone took over the hitting duties. A perfectly synchronised opening partnership that deserved a century for both.
GOT RIGHT
Babar paced the innings perfectly. After nine overs, he was on 40 and Livingstone on 37 but he pulled back once the latter upped the ante. The wicket wasn’t the easiest one but such is Babar’s form that he was able to maneuver the ball effortlessly.
GOT WRONG
Finishing. That’s the issue that plagued him the South Africa series, where he smashed 90 chasing 189 in the second T20 but still ended up the losing side. In Dubai, his inability to stay until the end meant Karachi finished well below the 200-run mark.
Rating: 8/10
