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I enjoyed batting with Babar Azam in the middle: Abdullah Shafique

Pakistan Test opener Abdullah Shafique said he enjoyed batting with skipper Babar Azam after hitting the winning runs in the first Test of the two-match Test series in Galle on Wednesday.


The 22-year-old young opener scored an unbeaten 160 to help his team chase down a record target of 342 at Galle to win the opening Test by four wickets against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Shafique's splendid knock of 160* off 408 deliveries saw him attain an average of 80 just after his sixth Test.


ALSO READ: SL vs PAK | 1st Test Day 5 | Shafique marshals Pakistan to highest-ever chase at Galle; take 1-0 lead

Happy to pull off the chase: Shafique


For playing a match-winning knock, Shafique was named the player of the match. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Shafique expressed his happiness after contributing to a historic win.


"I am happy that we were able to chase. Congratulations to the entire team for this record chase. Our plan was simple. We had to go get the runs," Abdullah Shafique said in the post-match presentation ceremony.


On what was a tough wicket to bat on, the right-handed batter excelled with his second Test ton. He built crucial partnerships including a 101-run third-wicket stand with skipper Babar Azam, who made 55 after his 119 in the first innings. 

'Babar is one of the best in the world'


Shafique hailed Babar as one of the best in the world and said he enjoyed his time in the middle with Pakistan's all-format skipper.


"It was difficult but with time it was easier. Spinners with the new ball were slightly tough to play. Babar is one of the best in the world. We have learned so much from him. I enjoyed batting with him in the middle," Shafique added.  

ALSO READ: SL vs PAK | 1st Test Day 5 | Abdullah Shafique achieves unique milestone


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