ISLAMABAD: In the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Ireland, Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, and wicketkeeper-batter, Mohammad Rizwan, made history, breaking records left and right. Despite a stumble in the first match, where they lost by five wickets, the team rallied under Babar Azam’s leadership, securing victory in the series with a 2-1 win at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin. Their impressive performance serves as a strong prelude to the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, showcasing their formidability on the international stage.
Dynamic Duo: Babar and Rizwan’s Stellar Collaboration
In a gripping match against Ireland, Babar and Rizwan etched a new chapter in partnership records. The captain’s blazing bat wielded 75 runs off just 42 balls, featuring a stunning array of 5 sixes and 6 fours. Meanwhile, the agile wicketkeeper-batter contributed 56 runs to the scoreboard, including 3 sixes and 4 fours.
Together, their synergy forged a formidable partnership of 139 runs, marking their historic 10th century stand in T20 internationals. They ascended as the pioneering pair to achieve such a feat, cementing their status in cricket annals. Notably, their cumulative partnership tally surged past the monumental 3,000-run mark, a testament to their remarkable collaboration.
In contrast, Ireland’s Paul Stirling and Andrew Balbirnie amassed 2,043 runs in partnership, while India’s Rohit and KL Rahul boasted five century alliances in T20I encounters.
This monumental performance propelled Babar to his 17th century partnership in T20I, securing his position as the player with the most century collaborations. Meanwhile, Rizwan notched his 13th century partnership, further solidifying their indomitable duo.
Pioneering Pakistani Cricketer Makes History with 25-Run Over
Babar notched a significant milestone by becoming the first Pakistani batsman to rack up 25 runs in an over during a T20 match against Ireland. In a dazzling display of power-hitting, the 29-year-old cricketer smashed four sixes off Benjamin White’s bowling, marking a historic moment in his career.
Prior to Babar’s feat, only four Pakistani batters had reached the mark of 24 runs in an over. Asif Ali achieved this against Afghanistan in 2021, Aamir Jamal against Hong Kong in the 2023 Asian Games, Khushdil Shah against Hong Kong in 2021, and Rizwan against Namibia in 2021. Furthermore, Babar joined an elite club as the third Pakistani batsman to dispatch four sixes in a single over.
Babar Azam Surpasses Virat Kohli’s Record
The Pakistani cricket sensation emerged as the top scorer with 50+ runs in T20 internationals, marking his 39th time surpassing this milestone. In the final match against Ireland, Babar showcased his prowess with an impressive innings of 75 runs. Meanwhile, India’s Virat Kohli achieved this feat 38 times and Rohit Sharma 34 times. Prior to Babar, Asif and Khushdil had also accomplished similar milestones for Pakistan.
