In an interactive Q & A session with fans on his social media, Pakistani cricketer Babar Azam expressed his preference for former South African captain AB de Villiers as his favorite batting partner.
De Villiers, who enjoyed a nearly 15-year-long international cricket career, captivated fans globally with his inventive batting and numerous match-winning displays.
He concluded his career with an impressive tally of over 20,000 runs across formats, featuring 47 centuries and the distinction of scoring the fastest ODI century in just 31 deliveries.
When inquired about his ideal batting companion, Babar stated:
“AB de Villiers is always my dream batting partner. I have played against him but not with him.”
Unexpectedly, De Villiers participated in the discussion using his X (formerly Twitter) account and replied:
“Would have loved to bat with u too my man.”
The ex-Pakistan captain also selected Steve Smith as the batsman with the finest cover drive in international cricket. Babar also proceeded to impart the life lessons he acquired before attaining cricketing stardom by stating:
“I have worked as a laborer as well. I used to work in the morning and later do net practice. These are stages of life which give you lessons.”
At 29 years old, he is widely considered the premier batsman globally in all formats, accumulating a remarkable total of more than 13,000 runs, featuring an impressive 31 centuries.
Following Pakistan’s disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign, where the team fell short of qualifying for the semi-finals, he recently stepped down from captaincy duties across all formats.
Babar Azam selects his preferred innings across different formats
Babar Azam identified the Test innings of 104 in Brisbane and 196 in Karachi against Australia as his favorites. The former occurred in Pakistan’s second innings, resulting in a loss, while the latter nearly led Pakistan to a remarkable run chase of 506, concluding in a draw.
In the ODI format, Babar highlighted the 158 against England in Birmingham in 2021 as his preferred knock, despite Pakistan losing a closely contested match by three wickets.
“My century in Brisbane against Australia in 2019 and the 196-run knock in the second Test against Australia in Karachi in 2022 are my favorites in Tests.”
“In white-ball cricket, 158 against England in Birmingham and T20I centuries against South Africa and New Zealand hold a special place in my heart,” said Babar.
Babar was part of Pakistan’s unsuccessful tour of Australia and New Zealand, experiencing a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series against Australia and a 1-4 defeat in the T20Is against New Zealand.
Although he did not achieve a half-century in the Tests against Australia, the exceptional batsman found his form again, registering half-centuries in three out of the five T20Is against New Zealand.
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