Top 3 Innings of Babar Azam Against New Zealand in T20Is
Babar Azam in T20I( X.COM)
Babar Azam is a remarkable player and is considered among the best in the ODI format. Holding the title of the best player in the ODI format, Azam's talent and skill are unquestionable. His dominance in the rankings has persisted for over two years, which is a clear indication of his consistency and dedication to the sport. Azam's elegant stroke play and remarkable skills have earned him the admiration of cricket fans.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Babar Azam's batting style is his footwork. He can play cricket shots all over the ground and get into position fast thanks to his natural stance and smooth foot movement. Babar Azam's ability to bat with consistency is another important component of his style. He has good technique and can maintain head stillness at the point of contact, as shown by his ability to play through the V and down the ground. He is renowned for his astute shot selection, and his straight drives, on-drive, and off-drives, and the cover drive are some of his best shots.
Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam has scored 3542 runs in 105 T20I innings at a strike rate of 129.88 and is the third-highest run-scorer overall in T20Is. This accomplishment positions Babar just behind India's dynamic duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who currently hold the top two positions with 4008 and 3853 runs, respectively.
Let's look at the Top 3 Knocks of Babar Azam against New Zealand in T20I.
79* off 53 vs New Zealand, Christchurch (2022)
Babar Azam in T20I (X.COM)
Opting to bat first in Christchurch, the New Zealand batters struggled to find boundaries. Pakistan's bowlers did exceptionally well to keep the Kiwi batters in check on a good batting wicket. The Pakistan bowlers had successfully executed their strategy, limiting the Black Caps to 147/8 in their 20 overs. However, the hosts were not going down without a fight. They removed Rizwan early and further crippled Pakistan with a second wicket, leaving them at 37/2 in the sixth over.
Babar's unbeaten 79, supported by 11 fours, was not in a high-scoring encounter but a low-scoring chase against New Zealand's celebrated bowling attack in their own backyard. He meticulously rebuilt the Pakistan innings, initially stabilizing them with patience and later seizing the opportunity to put away the loose deliveries.
Babar formed crucial partnerships with the middle order, and despite New Zealand claiming a couple more wickets, they had no answer to Babar's resilience. The top Pakistani player remained unbeaten as the visitors secured a six-wicket victory in the 19th over.
101* off 58 vs New Zealand, Lahore (2023)
Babar Azam in T20I (X.COM)
On a flat deck in Lahore, the stage was set for the 2nd T20I of the series between Pakistan and England. Having won the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, with Rizwan and Babar Azam taking the crease once again. The duo orchestrated a formidable 99-run partnership for the opening wicket. As the innings progressed, the pitch revealed a tendency to slow down.
Rizwan showcased his prowess by scoring 50 runs in 34 balls, but it was Babar who truly stole the show with his outstanding batting performance. The Pakistani top batsman notched an impressive 101* runs in 58 balls, comprising 11 fours and 3 sixes.
In the pursuit of the target, New Zealand succumbed to pressure, managing to post only 154 runs. Haris Rauf emerged as the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 wickets and contributing significantly to Pakistan's victory.
57 off 35 vs New Zealand, Eden Park (2024)
Babar Azam vs New Zealand (X.COM)
The Kiwis put on an impressive batting display, setting a formidable total of 226 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from Daryl Mitchell, who blazed his way to a rapid 61 off just 27 balls, and Kane Williamson, who provided a steadying 57 from 42 deliveries.
Babar scored 57 off 35 balls, and his innings consisted of six boundaries and two sixes. Rizwan also contributed with 25 off 14 balls. However, the rest of the Pakistani batters failed to deliver in the end, and they were bundled out for 180 in 18 overs.