An Average Of 70! Busting The Myth That Babar Azam Crumbles In ODI Run-Chases

Babar Azam in successful ODI chases [Source: AFP Photo]

Yet another ODI series is done and dusted, and once again, Babar Azam failed to deliver the goods. The expectations were high before the West Indies series, but the former Pakistan skipper failed to live up to the expectations as the visitors lost the ODI series, 1-2, with several high-profile players coming under scrutiny.

One player who received flak was Babar. The Pakistan batter had a disappointing series, as he only accumulated 56 runs in 3 games, at an average of just 18.67. In two out of three matches, Pakistan were put in a run-chase, and while he performed decently in the first ODI, the superstar batter failed in the third ODI.

His inability to steer Pakistan in a tricky run-chase frustrated a lot of people, and over the years, there has been a myth that Babar Azam is poor when it comes to run-chases, but the data tells a different story.

A glance at Babar Azam's overall numbers in ODIs

(Babar overall ODI stats)

The Pakistan star has played 134 matches, and has accumulated 6291 runs, with an average of 54.23. He has also churned out 19 ODI centuries, showcasing his mastery in the format. However, there is a grey line in his ODI stats. In the last two years, the numbers have gone down massively, so much so, that since 2024, he has scored 562 runs in 17 matches, but the average has dropped down to 33. However, his numbers in overall chasing still remains rock solid, despite a rare failure in the West Indies ODI.

Babar Azam ODI record in chases (win/loss)

(Babar in second innings of ODI matches)

Overall, in a second innings chase in ODIs, Babar has played 73 matches, and has scored 2952 runs, with an average of 50.89. The star batter has 7 hundreds under his belt, and it showcases that even while chasing, he is equally potent as batting first.

Now, let us look at Babar's ODI chasing record in winning cause.

Babar Azam ODI record in successful chases

(Babar Azam in successful chases)

Contrary to the belief that Babar fails in run-chases, here is the data which showcases his ability to absorb pressure. In successful chases, Babar has played in 40 matches, where he has slammed 1836 runs, at an average of 70.61.

As compared to his overall record, his stats in chasing gets better, and moreover his average also increases from 54.23 to 70.61, and it depicts his ability to play crucial knocks under pressure.

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