Babar became the first batter in the history of the format to score three consecutive hundreds twice. Babar’s batting led Pakistan to 306/5 with four balls to spare with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second game will be played Friday with the last one scheduled for Sunday. Understanding very well the importance of the knock, Babar, who was adjudged ‘Player of the match, decided to hand his award to Khushdil. Babar went up to the presentation area and said that he wanted to give the award to Khushdil Shah. Pakistan captain Babar Azam is winning hearts not just with his silk smooth batting but also with impeccable behaviour.
Babar has been a great man-manager ever since taking over as Pakistan’s captain and his ability to inspire others was on display yet again during the presentation ceremony after Pakistan’s victory over West Indies in the first ODI at Multan. Babar smashed a number of records on his way to a century, which laid the foundation of Pakistan’s successful chase of 306 runs. It is his 17th in the 50-over format from 87 matches. It was also his fourth century in the last five one-day internationals.
Babar was not at the crease when the match was won. He had been dismissed for 103 and the hosts still had a stiff climb ahead. It was an unbeaten inning of 41 off just 23 balls from left-hander Khushdil Shah, which took Pakistan home eventually. Babar was adjudged ‘Player of the match and decided to hand his award to Khushdil.
The ODI top-ranked batsman became the fastest captain to reach the 1000-run mark in the world. He reached the milestone in just 13 innings and broke Virat Kohli’s record of reaching that feat in 17 innings.
