Babar Azam’s on-field leadership has provoked discussions and a range of perspectives, but one thing that shines out is his influence as a leader. He has lifted the bar for batting standards in the modern era, and Pakistan’s cricketing authority has increased as a result of his outstanding exploits. Pakistan has had a tremendous run under his leadership, exhibiting a vibrant and talented team.
Babar Azam’s team has brought about an enjoyable period in Pakistan cricket with the ideal balance of fresh energy and steady leadership. There is no questioning the great effect he has had on the team and his ability to lead by example with his exceptional batting talents, even though opinions on his captaincy may differ.
1. In 2021’s T20 World Cup, against India
In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan defeated their rivals India with an amazing 10-wicket victory, making history. Pakistan’s opening batsmen, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan, under the leadership of their skipper, displayed a determined yet calculated strategy to demolish India’s bowling arsenal as they successfully chased down the target without losing any wickets.
Early in the game, Shaheen Afridi’s brilliant bowling display was essential in helping him take major wickets. The decisive victory by ten wickets for Pakistan was their largest victory under Babar Azam’s direction.
2. In the T20 Asia Cup 2022, against India
With just one ball left in a thrilling match during the Asia Cup’s Super Four round, Pakistan won by five wickets. India got a strong aggressive start with their batting, but Pakistan’s bowlers responded quite skillfully. Mohammad Nawaz’s planned advancement by Pakistan up the order proved to be a game-changer. Pakistan was able to effectively counter the Indian bowler’s thanks to Nawaz’s explosive innings and Mohammad Rizwan’s steadfast leadership of the inning. Pakistan secured a thrilling victory after successfully chasing down the target in the final over.
3. In the T20 World Cup 2022 against South Africa
The stunning victory Pakistan had over South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup demonstrated their tenacity and willpower. Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed, the middle-order batsmen for Pakistan, put on outstanding innings in a game they had to win to achieve a respectable score. The South African batting line was then destroyed by the bowlers. Pakistan’s incredible recovery in the run to the semi-finals was greatly aided by Shadab Khan’s all-around effort, which included reaching a rapid fifty and capturing significant wickets. Babar Azam’s captaincy resume was enhanced by this victory, which also preserved Pakistan’s chances of making the semifinals.
4. In a home series of ODIs against Australia
During the Australian tour of Pakistan, Pakistan set a new record for successful ODI chases against Australia by achieving their highest-ever chase. Imam-ul-Haq’s stunning century and captain Babar Azam’s sublime 114-run performance gave Pakistan to victory with six wickets and six balls remaining.
The series was evened thanks to this amazing comeback victory, which also demonstrated Pakistan’s capacity to defeat a strong opposition while facing difficult targets.
5. In a T20I series away from South Africa
Chasing a huge victory away from home, Pakistan defeated South Africa with ease. With nine wickets in hand and 12 balls left, Pakistan successfully chased down a target of 204 runs, helped by the outstanding batting effort of Babar Azam.
As good as it gets was Babar Azam’s amazing 122-run innings off just 59 balls. With the help of Mohammad Rizwan’s unbroken 73 runs, Babar Azam led Pakistan to an incredible victory and a 2-1 series lead. The victory highlighted Babar Azam’s incredible skills and his vital role in Pakistan’s win.
Babar Azam’s abilities will face strong rivalry and critique once more in light of the next mega-events, and it will be intriguing to see how Pakistan’s batting blue-blood performs in the ODI World Cup as a captain.