In an absolute necessity win match for Pakistan, Babar Azam strolled in, showed nerves of steel and remained till the end of the chase to send his side over the line with a 6 wicket success over New Zealand, who, till Wednesday, were unbeaten in the World Cup 2019.
So as to stay alive in the dispute for semi-finals, Pakistan needed to win against New Zealand at Edgbaston. Having set an objective of 238, Pakistan were 110 for three wickets at the midpoint of 25 overs however Babar Azam rose to the event with his 101-run knock.
"This is my best innings. the wicket was troublesome and turned a great deal in the subsequent half. The format was to experience as far as possible and give my 100%.
"When we started, the plan was to see out Ferguson. But when Santner came on, the plan became not to give wickets to him and cover up later when the fast bowlers come on. The fans support us here in Birmingham, it's great," man-of-the-match Babar Azam said at the presentation ceremony.
On his way to his magnificent innings, Babar Azam also crossed the milestone of 3000-run mark to become the second fastest batsman to do so
Babar accomplished the feat in 68 innings, which is seven less than his object of worship Virat Kohli. The 24-year-old is currently just behind South Africa's Hashim Amla, who accomplished the accomplishment in 11 fewer excursions.
Curiously, Babar additionally got to the 1,000 and 2,000 run-stamps likewise in fewer innings than Indian skipper Virat Kohli.
Besides, Babar likewise turned into the principal center request Pakistan batsman to score a World Cup hundred out of 32 years. 103 Javed Miandad (101) and Saleem Malik (100) had scored a very long time in the 1987 World Cup.
With the success over New Zealand, Pakistan has now moved to the sixth spot on the 10-group World Cup 2019 table and are tied on points (7 from 7 matches) with fifth put Bangladesh. They will presently need to win against Afghanistan and Bangladesh to keep their expectations alive for a spot in the semi-finals.
