Babar Azam Clinches ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award for August 2023

In a resounding testament to his unwavering talent and relentless dedication to the sport, Pakistan’s cricket sensation, Babar Azam, has bagged the prestigious ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for the month of August, making it the third time in his career. His remarkable performance throughout August 2023 has solidified his position as one of the brightest stars in international cricket.

Babar Delighted at the Feat

Babar Azam’s meteoric rise in the cricketing world reached a zenith as he continued to hold the top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings. His consistent excellence in the 50-over format has propelled Pakistan to greater heights and has now earned him another accolade to cherish. 

Upon receiving the coveted award, Babar Azam expressed his elation, saying, “I am delighted to be named ICC Player of the Month for August 2023.” He went on to share his excitement about the upcoming cricketing events and his commitment to bringing joy to the millions of cricket fans in Pakistan. 

Bouncing Back from a Setback 

Babar faced a rare setback in the first ODI against Afghanistan during a bilateral series in Sri Lanka when he failed to score any runs. However, his resilience shone through as he swiftly bounced back with two consecutive fifties, proving his mettle as a formidable leader and batsman. 

One of the highlights of his performance came during the second ODI against Bangladesh when Babar, alongside Imam-ul-Haq, crafted a crucial 118-run partnership. This partnership set the stage for an exhilarating last-over showdown. Babar contributed 53 runs in the run-chase, well-supported by Imam’s impressive 91 runs. Pakistan clinched a nail-biting victory with just a single ball and a wicket to spare. 

Babar’s excellence extended into the final ODI, where he contributed yet another crucial 60 runs, aiding his team in reaching a commendable total of 268/8. Pakistan’s bowlers then excelled, securing a comfortable 59-run victory and achieving a clean sweep with a 3-0 series win.

Historic Milestone in the Asia Cup 2023

Babar Azam’s exceptional form extended beyond the bilateral series as he made a spectacular start in the ongoing Asia Cup. In the tournament opener against Nepal, he delivered a stunning performance, scoring a remarkable 151 runs off 131 balls. During this inning, the Pakistan skipper achieved a historic milestone, becoming the fastest player in the game’s history to reach 19 ODI centuries. 

This century marked his 31st century across all formats for Pakistan, placing him on par with legends Javed Miandad and Saeed Anwar. He now stands just behind Younis Khan (41), Mohammad Yousuf (39), and Inzamam-ul-Haq (35) in terms of centuries for Pakistan.

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