The 2023 Asia Cup has kicked off with a bang, and at the heart of the cricketing excitement is Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam. In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Babar not only led his team to a resounding victory against Nepal but also etched his name in the record books. His astounding performance in the opening game has not only left fans awestruck but has also set a remarkable example for aspiring batsmen.
Babar Azam’s inning in the match against Nepal was nothing short of spectacular. He carved out his 19th ODI century, a breathtaking display of skill and determination. Scoring an extraordinary 151 runs off just 131 balls, Babar Azam achieved a milestone that places him in a league of his own. In the process, he surpassed the record previously held by South African legend Hashim Amla, emerging as the fastest player to reach 19 ODI centuries, achieving this feat in a mere 102 innings.
This extraordinary inning by Babar Azam has not only earned him accolades but also secured his place in cricketing history. His 151-run innings now stands as the second-highest individual score in Asia Cup history, with only Virat Kohli’s monumental 183 against Pakistan in 2012 surpassing it. Additionally, Babar Azam carved his name into the annals of cricket history by becoming the first captain to score 150 or more runs in an Asia Cup match, breaking Virat Kohli’s previous record of 136 against Bangladesh in 2014.
The significance of Babar’s consistency and ability to convert promising starts into centuries was highlighted by former India coach Ravi Shastri. He remarked, “Babar consistently turns his 30s and 40s into hundreds, which is crucial. Often we encourage players to go out and face a multitude of balls, but it’s the hundred from one of your top three that enables a 300-plus score.”
While Babar Azam’s batting heroics have stolen the spotlight, Shastri also emphasized the critical role that fielding can play in the outcome of the tournament. Drawing a parallel with Sri Lanka, the last Asia Cup champions, Shastri noted their exceptional fielding as a key factor in their success. He acknowledged that Sri Lanka has maintained its reputation as the best fielding side in the subcontinent, particularly in their home conditions.
However, Shastri hinted that if India can elevate their fielding to a higher standard, they could emerge as a formidable opponent. Fielding, often the unsung hero of cricket, has the potential to be a game-changer, and teams that excel in this aspect can gain a significant advantage.
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