Pakistan's star batters, Babar Azam and Iftikar Ahmed, have re-written the record books with their phenomenal 214-run fifth-wicket partnership against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 opening match at Multan Cricket Stadium. The partnership not only set a new national benchmark but also became the sixth highest fifth-wicket partnership in One Day International (ODI) cricket history.
The previous Pakistan record was a 176-run partnership held by Younis Khan and Umar Akmal from 14 years ago, set against Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa Stadium. In that game, Umar Akmal remained unbeaten at 102, while Younis contributed 89 runs.
Highest fifth-wicket partnerships for Pakistan:
Babar Azam, Iftikar Ahmed - 214 vs Nepal - August 30, 2023
Younis Khan, Umar Akmal - 176 vs Sri Lanka - August 7, 2009
Inzamam-ul-Haq, Yousuf Youhana - 162 vs Australia - September 4, 2004
Yousuf Youhana, Younis Khan - 155 vs Sri Lanka - April 17, 2002
Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ijaz Ahmed - 152 vs Zimbabwe - February 25, 1995
Babar Azam dazzled with a knock of 151, while Iftikar Ahmed raced to his century in just 67 balls. This explosive batting display smashed the previous record and etched the names of these players in cricket history.
This milestone comes as a significant achievement, as the Babar-Iftikhar's partnership also became the sixth highest for the fifth-wicket in ODIs. The record is currently held by South Africa's David Miller and JP Duminy, who scored an unbroken partnership of 256 runs against Zimbabwe in 2015.
Following closely are pairs from England, Bangladesh, India, and Australia, with Babar and Iftikar now joining this elite list.
Top-six highest partnerships for the fifth-wicket so far:
David Miller, JP Duminy (South Africa) - 256* vs Zimbabwe - February 15, 2015
Eoin Morgan, Ravi Bopara (England) - 226* vs vs Ireland - September 3, 2013
Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah (Bangladesh) - 224 vs New Zealand - June 9, 2017
M Azharuddin, A Jadeja (India) - 223 vs Sri Lanka - August 17, 1997
A Symonds, MJ Clarke (Australia) - 220 vs New Zealand - December 7, 2005
Babar Azam, Iftikar Ahmed - 214 vs Nepal - August 30, 2023
After losing Fakhar Zaman, Imam Ul Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha. Babar took up the charge and steadied Pakistan's boat.
Babar found a perfect ally in Iftikhar Ahmed as the duo displayed extraordinary batting prowess, hammering opposition bowlers across the field. With a spectacular score of 342/6 in 50 overs, Pakistan set a formidable target after opting to bat first against Nepal. After witnessing Babar's century from the other end, Iftikhar too took Nepali bowlers to cleaner and brought up his maiden ODI hundred, scoring an unbeaten 109 off just 71 balls.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
PAK vs NEP: Iftikhar Ahmed achieves sensational feat with lightning century against Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 opener
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PAK vs NEP: Babar Azam whacks maiden Asia Cup century against Nepal in opener, becomes just 3rd Pakistani batter to achieve rare feat
