Pakistan captain Babar Azam achieved a big milestone on Thursday, September 22, during his team’s second T20I against Moeen Ali’s England at National Stadium in Karachi. He became the second Pakistani batter after Shoaib Malik to score 8000 runs in the t20s.
Babar struck 110 from 66 balls, with opening partner Rizwan finishing on 88 from 51 deliveries as Pakistan chased down a target of 200 runs with three balls to spare in Karachi. Azam formed an unbeaten opening partnership with Mohammad Rizwan that pull off a remarkable run-chase to beat England by 10 wickets and level their T20I series at 1-1. The partnership between Babar and Rizwan was the highest in any chasing effort in men’s T20 internationals, extending their previous record of 197 against South Africa in 2021.
Babar Azam’s stunning knock was laced with 11 fours and 5 maximums, making him the first Pakistan batter to score two centuries in T20 internationals. Mohammad Rizwan scored 88 runs off 51 balls, smashing 5 fours and 4 sixes.
England appeared to be in a hugely strong position after Moeen Ali’s unbeaten knock of 55 helped his side post 199-5, after having won the toss and elected to bat first, on a surface that both the captains had said they expected to favor the bowlers. Later, Babar and Rizwan took Pakistan off to a flying start after being asked to chase down 200 in 20 overs to win the game and draw level in the 3-match series.
Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with praises for both Rizwan and Azam for their stunning knocks. Among many, popular commentator and cricket analyst, Harsha Bhogle took to social media and hailed Babar and Rizwan for their amazing partnership. He highlighted how they are the reason that makes Pakistan a better chasing side. He wrote:
“Another example today of why Pakistan is a better chasing side. This big target has unshackled Babar and Rizwan and made them play refreshingly.”
Check out the Tweet:
Another example today of why Pakistan is a better chasing side. This big target has unshackled Babar and Rizwan and made them play refreshingly.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 22, 2022
