Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, has humbly requested fans and the media to stop referring to him as “King,” emphasizing the need to shift focus towards his performances and the team’s overall success.
“Please stop calling me King. I am not King, I am not there yet. There are new roles for me now,” Babar candidly stated during a post-match press conference.
A Record-Breaking Partnership
Babar directed praise towards his teammates, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman, for their phenomenal match-winning partnership in Pakistan’s record chase of 353 runs against South Africa.
The duo’s 261-run stand for the fourth wicket was pivotal in ensuring victory with one over to spare.
“The team had a plan, and I stuck to it. Agha and Rizwan played brilliantly today,” Babar remarked, highlighting their incredible performances.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Unbeaten 122 runs, showcasing his composure and leadership during the chase.
- Agha Salman: Career-best 134 runs, marking his maiden international century in style.
This chase now stands as Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase in ODI history.
Babar’s Focus on Improvement
Reflecting on his recent performances, Babar stressed the importance of learning from each match and focusing on the team’s progress.
“Whatever I have done before is in the past. Every match is a fresh challenge, and I must focus on the present and future,” he shared, urging fans to view cricket as a team effort rather than an individual pursuit.
Notably, Babar’s most recent century, his 31st in international cricket, came on August 30, 2023, in Multan, where he scored a commanding 151 off 131 balls against Nepal.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s thrilling win against South Africa has secured their spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand, set to take place this Friday in Karachi.
The final also serves as a crucial preparatory match for the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins next week. With momentum on their side and a strong team spirit, Pakistan will aim to carry this form into the tournament.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, Babar Azam’s humility and focus on teamwork continue to inspire fans and the cricketing world.
