Babar Azam in action against Sri Lanka in Asia Cup 2023 (AP)
Babar Azam led Pakistan’s recovery alongside opener Abdullah Shafique against Sri Lanka in their virtual semi-final showdown this Asia Cup 2023. The Pakistani skipper arrived to the crease within the fifth over of the innings, and shared 69 runs for the second wicket with Shafique, who notched up his maiden half-century in ODIs.
Babar himself was stumped out by Sri Lanka’s in-form spinner Dunith Wellalage for 29 in the 16th over of the innings, thus paving the way for fellow senior member Mohammad Rizwan into the crease.
Watch: Babar Azam in action against Sri Lanka
Notably, captain Babar also scaled a notable landmark through the course of his latest batting effort, as he went past Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-getter of the ongoing 2023 Asia Cup.
Babar becomes first to complete 200 runs this Asia Cup
Babar Azam bludgeoned a scintillating 151 against Nepal in the opening match of the 2023 Asia Cup in Multan. Despite finding his rhythm early in the competition, it took him three additional innings to complete 200 runs in the tournament.
The Pakistan skipper registered scores of 17 and 10 against Bangladesh and India in his side’s subsequent two Super Four fixtures. His lean patch extended today with a below-par score of 29 against Sri Lanka in Pakistan’s must-win game this competition.
Nonetheless, Babar Azam went past Rohit Sharma to become the first batsman this Asia Cup 2023 to complete 200 runs, as he currently tops the batting charts with 207 runs to his name.
Sharma, on the other hand, is placed second on the list followed by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Sri Lankan batters Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis.
Asia Cup 2023 leading run-getters:
| Batsman | Innings | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 4 | 207 |
| Rohit Sharma | 4 | 194 |
| Najmul Shanto | 2 | 193 |
| Sadeera Samarawickrama | 4 | 167 |
| Kusal Mendis | 4 | 162 |
Meanwhile, the winner of the match will set themselves a date with India at the 2023 Asia Cup final. The title clash is set to be played on September 17 at the same Colombo venue.
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.jpg?type=mq "Abdullah Shafique Steps Up!")
.jpg?type=mq "Babar is Gone!")
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