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5 of the best Babar Azam innings on YouTube

By Web Desk

March 26, 2020

There are some things that can liven up even the slowest of slow days and deadest of lockdowns. One such thing is a Babar Azam knock.

We scoured YouTube to find five of the best knocks that the prince of Pakistan cricket has scored as of yet.

1- First ODI 100 on the road at Adelaide in Jan 2017

Pakistan were chasing 370 in an ODI match against Australia in Australia so winning was pretty much out of question. But Azam, at the age of 23, made sure that Pakistan lost with dignity and style. In came a 109-ball 100. He was pretty new at the time so the knock was a bit short of his usual stroke play but even an average Azam knock is pretty special.

2- The famous stroke-filled 79 against Steyn and co in Dec 2018

Azam announced himself on the Test stage with a highly entertaining 79-ball 71 featuring 15 fours. The knock became famous for Azam’s complete disregard for the legendary Dale Steyn, who like the commentator said, hadn’t been treated that way in a long time.

3- The 90 against South Africa at Wanderers in Feb 2019

Chasing 189 in the second T20I, Azam took it upon himself to keep Pakistan (1-0 down) in the series. While his fellow opener Fakhar Zaman watched on, the boy from Lahore put on a show. His elegant innings had placed Pakistan at 147-1 at one point but once his 58-ball 90-run knock – laced with 13 fours and a six – came to an end, all hell broke loose and Pakistan somehow managed to lose by seven runs.

Here is the Azam gem that went in vain:

4- Maiden World Cup 100 against New Zealand in Jun 2019

With chips down and a win desperately needed against the highflying New Zealand in World Cup 2019, Azam showed that he wasn’t just about pretty shot playing. Don’t get us wrong, he still was as elegant as ever but there was a newfound grit and determination too in that unbeaten 101 that kept Pakistan in the tournament – for a little while longer.

5- The 104 against Australia at Gabba in Nov 2019

Up against a scary pace attack of Australia spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, Azam scored a century and earned the home team’s respect even when the rest of the teammates saw their stocks plunge. The 104 featured 13 fours and once again came in a losing cause, which of course wasn’t Azam’s fault.