“Energized Babar Azam Ready for a ‘High-Intensity’ Battle”

Brimming with confidence, Babar Azam and Co reached Sri Lanka yesterday for Saturday's blockbuster showdown against arch-rivals India.

Samia Akter

September 1, 2023

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Samia Akter

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“Energized Babar Azam Ready for a ‘High-Intensity’ Battle”

Brimming with confidence, Babar Azam and Co reached Sri Lanka yesterday for Saturday's blockbuster showdown against arch-rivals India.

Building Confidence for the India Showdown

Brimming with confidence, Babar Azam and Co reached Sri Lanka yesterday for Saturday’s blockbuster showdown against arch-rivals India. Babar led from the front to kick off their campaign with a comprehensive victory against Nepal on Wednesday, and Pakistan’s skipper said the victory gave them confidence ahead of the vital clash.

Anticipating a High-Intensity Clash

“India-Pakistan will always bring high intensity. We want to give 100 percent in every match, hope to do that there as well,” said the prolific right-hander, who made a masterly 151 off 131 deliveries during their 238-run victory against Nepal, their third-highest in ODI.

Chasing Records: Babar's Century Hunt

After his 19th ODI hundred against Nepal, Babar is now just one century away from equalling Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI centuries – the most by any player from Pakistan. Will the stylish batter be able to reach another milestone for his country when they meet India?

Considerations for Babar's Batting Position

Although Babar has mostly featured at the key number three position, given his form which is in stark contrast to that of opener Fakhar Zaman’s, the Pakistan think-tank could ponder on enabling him to play maximum deliveries as an opener. Former cricketer-turned-commentator Ramiz Raja said that sidelining Fakhar for the India encounter could prove to be beneficial for the 2012 champions.

“I believe they should rest him, give him some time out. Sidelining him is better for him as well as the Pakistan side. He’s a good player, Pakistan has given him chances. But against India, with the form that he has, that chance is not worth being taken.”

Babar's Impressive Record-Breaking Century

Quickest to 19 ODI centuries in history (102 games), surpassing Hashim Amla’s record (104 matches).
Second-highest score at the Asia Cup, bettered only by Virat Kohli’s 183 in 2012.
First captain to score 150 or more at an Asia Cup.
Babar’s ODI average now an astonishing 59.47, the fourth highest in men’s ODI cricket with a minimum of 2000 ODI runs.
Babar’s 31st international century, drawing him level with Pakistan legends Javed Miandad and Saeed Anwar, with Younis Khan (41), Mohammad Yousuf (39), and Inzamam-ul-Haq (35) being the only players ahead of him from Pakistan.
Last Updated: Sep 1, 2023