Babar Azam was the main run-scorer within the T20 World Cup 2021 after he hit 4 half-centuries within the multi-nation event final yr in Oman and the UAE.
Babar Azam of Pakistan. Courtesy: Reuters
HIGHLIGHTSBabar Azam was the main run-scorer within the T20 World Cup 2022Under Babar Azam, Pakistan superior to the semis of the T20 WC final yrRicky Ponting stated ‘sky is the limit, for Babar in Test cricket
Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said that Pakistan won’t have the ability to progress a lot within the T20 World Cup 2022 if Babar Azam doesn’t have an important event. The 27-year-old performed a key function for the Men in Green within the earlier version of the mega occasion the place he completed because the main run-scorer of the event.
In six matches, Babar scored 303 runs at a median of 60.60 and a strike price of 126.25 with 4 half-centuries to indicate for his efforts. Pakistan gained 5 matches within the first spherical, however misplaced to Australia within the semi-final on the Dubai International Stadium.
“If Babar doesn’t have a great tournament, I don’t think they can win,” Ponting was quoted as saying to Sanjana Ganesan on the latest episode of The ICC Review.
The Lahore-born Babar is among the leading run-scorers in 2022, having tasted success in all three formats of international cricket.
Back in 2019, Pakistan toured Australia for a two-match Test series and Babar finished as the third-highest run-scorer. The right-hander scored 210 runs at an average of 52.50 with a century and a half-century apiece.
Ponting, who scored over 27,000 runs for Australia at the highest level, said that he was awestruck after watching Babar play in the red-ball series almost three years ago.
“I saw him up close and personal a couple of years ago out here in a Test series against Australia and I said it then, I thought the sky was the limit for this guy as far as Test match batting (was concerned) and, if anything, he’s probably got better and better in the last couple of years,” he stated.
Ponting also said that the Pakistan opening batters and new-ball bowlers are going to play a crucial role for them in the multi-nation tournament later this year.
“Their openers are essential and their new-ball bowlers are essential, however that function of the spin bowler in Australia could be a bit of bit tougher with wickets that most likely gained’t give them help,” Ponting added.
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