Babar posts congratulatory message for Australia just like Kohli did for England last year
Kohli had lauded England's remarkable triumph last year over Pakistan
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam extended his congratulations to Australia following Pat Cummins' team's triumph over India in the ICC World Cup 2023 final held in Ahmedabad. Australia's exceptional fielding and bowling prowess, despite an early display of Rohit Sharma's flair and half-centuries by Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, restricted India to a modest total of 240.
Australia encountered an uncertain start, losing three early wickets to the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. However, Travis Head and Marnus Labuchagne forged a monumental 192-run partnership, steering Australia towards their sixth ODI World Cup victory.
Head's commanding 137 and Labuchagne's cautious 58 consolidated Australia's innings. Ultimately, India succumbed to an impressive Australia, conceding a comfortable six-wicket defeat with seven overs to spare.
Amidst a flood of congratulatory messages for Australia's dominant display, Pakistan's former skipper Babar Azam's Instagram post stood out: "Congratulations @CricketAus. What a commanding performance in the final."
While Azam's gesture was well-meaning, fans speculated whether the Pakistani cricketer sought to reciprocate Virat Kohli's congratulatory message to England the previous year.
In 2022, England, led by Jos Buttler, secured a five-wicket victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup final, becoming the second team after the West Indies to claim two T20 titles. Kohli, the highest scorer of the T20 World Cup 2022, had lauded England's remarkable triumph.
