Babar Azam Becomes First Asian Batter To Claim 'This' Shameful Record

image-lrhhicsnBabar Azam in action | Source: X.com

Pakistan lost the third T20I against New Zealand by 45 runs, giving New Zealand an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series on Wednesday, January 17, at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin. 

The game turned into a run bonanza, with New Zealand putting a mammoth score of 224 runs in the first innings. Finn Allen played a blinder, smashing 137 runs from 62 balls, including five boundaries and 16 sixes. 

Pakistan's response didn't kick off well, losing opener Saim Ayub early with just 10 runs on the board. Rizwan couldn't make a big impact either, getting out after a 24-run stint from 20 balls. However, former captain Babar Azam stole the show with a solid 58 runs off 37 balls. 

In line with the first two T20I affairs, there was no batter to support Babar Azam in steering Pakistan to victory as once again, they fell short of the target. Captain Shaheen Afridi finished unbeaten with 16 runs off 11 balls. 

Notably, with this, the Pakistan batter has added a bittersweet record to his name, becoming the first Asian batter with three consecutive half-centuries in losing games. He scored 66 and 57 runs in the first two T20I matches against New Zealand respectively.

New Zealand has a solid 3-0 lead in the five-match series, making the remaining two matches mere dead rubbers. However, Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and reclaim some pride with wins in those games.