In 2022, Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan, expressed his pride and boosted confidence in response to Virat Kohli‘s recognition of him as the foremost batsman across formats. Kohli had commended Babar for maintaining his attitude and respect even as he achieved higher levels in the sport, noting that such players serve as lasting inspirations.
“It feels very good when someone passes comments like that about you,” Babar told Star Sports in a video, a clip of which was released on Thursday. “Virat Kohli’s comments about me, that was a very proud moment for me and it felt very good. Some things and some praises give you confidence.”
He also recalled their meeting in 2019.
“I went to meet him during the 2019 World Cup,” he said. “He was at his peak then and is there now as well. I wanted to take (learn) something from him. I got to learn a lot. I asked him some questions which I needed answers to and he explained everything very nicely.”
The ongoing 2023 Asia Cup will witness a face-off between the two superstars on September 2nd.
Babar Azam achieved a score of 150 during the first match of the 2023 Asia Cup
The Pakistani player has made a remarkable start to the Asia Cup. In the tournament’s inaugural match against Nepal in Multan on Wednesday, he delivered an impressive 151 runs from 131 balls during the first innings.
As three of the top five batters were dismissed, he provided stability to Pakistan’s innings, later showcasing fluent cricket alongside Iftikhar Ahmed. This marked his 19th century in just his 102nd ODI inning, setting a new record for the quickest achievement of this milestone.
He also became the first captain to amass over 150 runs in a single Asia Cup match, and this achievement represents the second-highest individual score in the history of the Asia Cup.
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