Babar Azam confident to continue winning momentum in final T20

Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam on Thursday said that he is confident the team will carry forward the winning momentum in the fourth and final twenty20 international (T20I) against South Africa in Centurion today.

Talking to media in a virtual presser following victory in third T20I, the 26-year-old said he hopes the team can repeat the same performance in the upcoming final encounter.

“The series outcome depends on the fourth T20’s result,” Babar said. “We are looking forward to continue with the same tempo which we have shown in the third T20. Hopefully, you would see the best from Pakistan players in the final game against South Africa.”

Pakistan defeated the Proteas comprehensively by nine wickets on Wednesday; courtesy Babar’s maiden T20i century and record opening-stand of 197 runs with Mohammad Rizwan.

Read: Babar, Rizwan storm record books following epic South Africa chase

Recalling his outstanding knock that saw Babar playing possibly the best T20 international innings of all time, he said he was waiting for such an innings again.

“I have been long dreaming of playing such an innings which finally came Wednesday,” he said. “More importantly, it helped the team win the match.”

The skipper was not shy to heap praise on his opening partner that stayed unbeaten as Pakistan thrashed the home side in Centurion. “Full credit to Razi Bahi (Mohammad Rizwan) who was fasting and yet stayed at the field throughout the match — first as a wicketkeeper and then returned unbeaten as a batsman to see the team through. He has really shown the guts of a true fighter,” he added.

Babar said his advice to his team members had always been to play positive and learn from mistakes.

“We knew well that we can bounce back after losing the second T20. It was exactly what happened. Despite a challenging target, we made sure we chase it successfully and that we have done courtesy to proper planning,” he said. 

Read: Pakistan eye series victory over South Africa in final T20 today

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