Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan, Who Is Better For Pakistan In Test Cricket?

Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan are pillars of Pakistan cricket across formats (X)

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been crucial figures in Pakistan's Test cricket setup. While Babar has been celebrated for his consistent performances and leadership, Rizwan has gained recognition for his spirit and versatility, particularly in challenging conditions.

This comparative analysis delves into various aspects of their Test careers, highlighting similarities, differences, and their overall contributions to Pakistan cricket.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Overall Test Career Statistics

Key Observations:

• Innings and Runs: Babar Azam has played significantly more innings (95) compared to Rizwan (49), resulting in a much higher run aggregate of 3898 compared to Rizwan's 1787.
• Consistency: Both players have similar averages, with Babar slightly ahead at 45.33 compared to Rizwan's 44.68.
• Strike Rate: Rizwan has a marginally better strike rate (55.00) than Babar (54.85), which indicates a slightly more aggressive approach.
• Centuries and Fifties: Babar has converted more starts into big scores, with 9 centuries and 26 fifties, compared to Rizwan's 3 centuries and 9 fifties.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Performance by Year in Test Cricket

Key Observations:

• Consistency: Babar has shown more consistency across the years, particularly with standout performances in 2019, 2020 and 2022. Mohammad Rizwan, while consistent, had an extraordinary spike in 2023 & 2024, which has significantly boosted his average.
• Recent Form: Mohammad Rizwan's form in 2024 has been exceptional, with an average of 143.50, whereas Babar has seen a decline in form in the last two years with his last fifty plus score in Tests coming in December 2022.

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Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Performance Against Different Opponents in Test Cricket

Key Observations:

• Performance Against Top Teams: Babar has performed exceptionally well against England and New Zealand, with averages of 61.10 and 57.73, respectively. Rizwan has had his best performances against Bangladesh (119.50) and South Africa (83.00) and Australia (46.36).
• Struggles: Babar has a relatively lower average against West Indies and Australia, while Rizwan's average against England (30.20) reflects some struggle against their bowling attack.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Home vs Away Performance in Test Cricket

Key Observations:

• Home Advantage: Both players perform significantly better at home, but Babar's average of 67.77 at home is particularly impressive.
• Away Performance: Rizwan has a slightly better away average (42.00) compared to Babar's (37.61), showcasing his ability to adapt in foreign conditions.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Performance by Match Result in Test Cricket

Key Observations:

• Match-Winning Contributions: Babar has a higher average in matches won (56.81) compared to Rizwan (47.50), indicating his crucial role in Pakistan's victories.
• Resilience in Draws: Both players excel in drawn matches, with Rizwan averaging an extraordinary 88.00 and Babar 74.90, highlighting their ability to play crucial, match-saving innings when needed.

Babar Azam vs Mohammad Rizwan: Who is Best in Test Cricket – Final Verdict

Babar is arguably the more accomplished Test batsman, with a higher aggregate of runs, more centuries, and a key role in winning matches for Pakistan. His ability to consistently perform over a larger number of matches, especially at home, gives him the edge in this comparison.

Rizwan, however, has been exceptional in his role, particularly in difficult conditions and under pressure. His adaptability, especially in away matches and drawn games, make him invaluable to the team, especially as a wicketkeeper-batsman.

Who is the best? If we're looking purely at batting, Babar has the edge due to his consistency, volume of runs, and impact in victories.

But if we consider the overall value added to the team—including wicketkeeping, adaptability, and clutch performances—Rizwan is incredibly close and may even surpass Babar in terms of versatility and fight.

In conclusion, Babar Azam might be considered the "best" in Test cricket between the two for his batting brilliance, but Mohammad Rizwan is indispensable for his contributions with the bat and gloves, especially in challenging situations.

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