Pakistan skipper Babar Azam showed some sort of form in the 2023 ICC World Cup as he notched his first-ever ODI half-century against arch-rivals India at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, Saturday. In a blockbuster match, Babar, who was going through a form slump, made a comeback and displayed his batting prowess, breaking a streak of five matches without a fifty-plus score.
After the early dismissal of Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam walked in the middle at no.3. He wasted no time and quickly accelerated, achieving his well-deserved half-century from just 57 balls. This innings marked his eighth appearance against India in ODIs and a remarkable milestone in his career. However, his impressive innings came to an end when he was clean bowled by Mohammed Siraj after his 58-ball knock. During his time at the crease, Babar stitched a crucial 82-run partnership with Muhammad Rizwan for the third wicket.
Babar Azam's performance against India in ODIs has seen its fair share of ups and downs. He first played against India in the 2017 Champions Trophy, where he scored just eight runs. However, he made a significant impact in the victorious final of the same tournament by registering 46 runs. Babar also notched up two more scores in the forties against India, first in the 2018 Asia Cup and later in the 2019 World Cup, where he was dismissed for 48 by Kuldeep Yadav. In their most recent encounter during the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in September, Babar was bowled out for a mere 10 by Hardik Pandya.
Babar Azam has also showcased his talent in T20Is against India, boasting a personal best of 68 not out. His overall performance in ODIs has been outstanding, amassing over 5400 runs at an impressive average of above 57. This tally includes an impressive 19 centuries and 28 half-centuries, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific batsmen in the format.
Babar Azam's maiden ODI half-century against India in the 2023 ICC World Cup after amassing just 15 runs in the first two matches will certainly prove to be a confidence booster for the ODI's Numero Uno.
Talking about the match, Babar's dismissal was followed by the dismissals of Saud Shakeel (6 off 10), Iftikhar Ahmed (4 off 4) and Mohammad Rizwan (49 off 69) and Shadab Khan (2 off 5) to lead Pakistan reeling at 171/7.
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