[Watch] Agha Salman’s Heartfelt Hug Makes Babar Azam Blush During in PAK vs NZ 1st ODI

Agha Salman hugs Babar [Source: @ironDome1180/X.com]

Babar Azam was back in the Pakistan side and he announced his comeback with a scintillating 78 off 83 deliveries in the first ODI against the New Zealand side. Chasing a tricky 345, Pakistan needed Babar to score big runs and the star batter looked on a mission to deliver the goods.

Agha Salman's lovely gesture towards Babar

He played some gorgeous strokes and even though he started slowly, Babar started to catch up with the run-rate and looked all set to reach his first ODI hundred since August 2023. Also, during the chase, he struck a couple of lovely sixes and after one of the big hits against Nathan Smith, Babar's partner at the other end, Agha Salman couldn't control his emotions.

He hit a colossal six against Nathan Smith as Agha Salman was jubilant and gave a warm hug to Babar who also gave a bright smile to his partner at the other end.

Pakistan suffer another embarrassing defeat

New Zealand took advantage of a weak Pakistan bowling lineup and thrashed them to all corners of the ground. Mark Chapman, Pakistan's nemesis was at it again as the all-rounder smacked 132 off 111 balls and was well supported by fifties from Daryl Mitchell and Muhammad Abbas as the hosts reached 344 in the first innings.

In reply, Pakistan started off slowly and despite fifties from Babar Azam and Agha Salman, the side were never really in the contest as New Zealand churned out quick wickets and bundled out the visitors for 271, winning by 73 runs. For his brilliant hundred, Mark Chapman was awarded the Player of the Match.

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