Babar-Imam Topples ‘Legendary’ Yousuf-Younis Duo; Rises to Top in ODIs
Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq create unique record for Pakistan in ODIs (X.com)
Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, two of the most prolific Pakistan batsmen over the years, are no longer the most successful ODI partners for the country. Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq have dethroned them following a spectacular 118-run partnership against Afghanistan on Thursday.
It was the 10th 100+ partnership between Babar and Imam in ODIs, the most by any pair from Pakistan. Yousuf and Younis previously held the record by having 100+ stands in the format nine times.
Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq had made lot of runs together as well. They are third in this elite chart, having got 100+ ODI partnership on eight occasions.
Here're Pakistan's most successful ODI pairs
Both Babar and Imam are high on latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen. While Babar tops the chart with 880 rating points, Imam is third with 752 points.
Babar and Imam's outstanding partnership was crucial to Pakistan's thrilling one-wicket victory over Afghanistan. In what will be remembered as one of the most tense ODI matches, Imam's 91 and Babar's 53 kept them in front as they chased down 301 with one ball remaining. As important as Shadab Khan's 35-ball 48 was, Naseem Shah stole the show with a lightning-quick five-ball 10.
With the result, Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. They will next face Afghanistan on August 26 in Colombo.
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