Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, has once again etched his name in cricketing history. During the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Centurion, Babar achieved a remarkable milestone becoming only the third cricketer in history to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats of the game.
The Significance of the Milestone
Scoring 4,000 runs in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is is no small feat. It reflects not only technical brilliance but also consistency across formats. The achievement places Babar in elite company alongside India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both legends in their own right. This milestone isn’t just about numbers; it highlights Babar’s adaptability and his role as the linchpin of Pakistan’s batting lineup in every format.
Babar Azam’s Journey in Test Cricket
Babar Azam‘s Test career began with promise, and over time, he has delivered several unforgettable performances. From scoring centuries under pressure to anchoring Pakistan’s innings on challenging pitches, his contributions have been pivotal.
However, his journey hasn’t been without challenges. Babar faced criticism during the England series, where his performances fell short of expectations. Being dropped from the squad added more pressure. Yet, his return to the Test arena in the South Africa series proved his resilience and determination.
Babar Azam’s ODI Success
In the ODI format, Babar has been nothing short of a maestro. With an impressive average exceeding 56 and 19 centuries to his name, he has been the backbone of Pakistan’s ODI side. His ability to build innings, accelerate when needed, and guide younger players has significantly boosted Pakistan’s ODI performance. Under his leadership, Pakistan has achieved notable wins on the global stage.
Babar Azam in T20Is
T20 cricket demands flair, adaptability, and an aggressive mindset. Babar Azam, with his calm yet calculative approach, has excelled in this format. From memorable chases to clutch innings under pressure, Babar has consistently been Pakistan’s trump card in T20Is.
The Centurion Test Match
The opening day of the Test between Pakistan and South Africa witnessed Babar making history, albeit with a brief stint at the crease. His early dismissal for just 4 runs was a setback for Pakistan, but his milestone was celebrated globally. Following Babar’s dismissal, Saud Shakeel played a brief yet aggressive knock, but Pakistan’s top order continued to falter.
Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan provided stability when it was needed the most. While Ghulam played with flair and aggression, Rizwan anchored the innings cautiously, ensuring Pakistan stayed in the fight. Babar Azam’s influence extends beyond Pakistan. He is celebrated as one of the finest batters of this generation, and comparisons with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are inevitable.
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