After weather forced the match to be shifted to a reserve day in Colombo, India reached 356-2 and bowled out Pakistan for 128 in 32 overs to win their largest ODI match against their biggest rivals. Pakistan bowled after Azam won the toss, but Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored 121 runs to take control. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored 122 and 111 runs in an unbroken 233 to help India maintain its lead. Over 50 overs, the star batter had a great month in Asia. Babar Azam Becomes ICC Men’s Player of the Month is news of the day.
Babar Azam Becomes ICC Men’s Player of the Month
Babar scored 0 runs in the first ODI against Afghanistan in a bilateral series in Sri Lanka. He recovered with two consecutive fifties. In the second ODI, the Pakistan skipper and Imam-ul-Haq shared 118 runs, setting up a thrilling last-over match. Babar scored 53 runs in the run-chase, aided by Imam’s 91 and the lower-order batsmen. Pakistan won a thrilling match with one ball and one wicket.
He added another important 60 to help his team reach 268/8 in the last ODI. Pakistan’s bowlers won comfortably by 59 runs to clinch the series 3-0. Beyond the series, Babar started the Asia Cup well. His 151 runs off 131 balls in the tournament opener against Nepal was remarkable.
In this inning, the Pakistan captain became the fastest player to reach 19 ODI hundreds. His 31st century for Pakistan in all formats tied him with Javed Miandad and Saeed Anwar. He trails Younis Khan (41), Mohammad Yousuf (39), and Inzamam-ul-Haq (35) in Pakistani centuries.
“I am delighted to be named ICC Player of the Month for August 2023,” Babar said.
“The past month has been extraordinary for my team as we have put some terrific performances. With the Asia Cup coming to Pakistan after such a long time, it was great to play in front of the passionate and cricket-loving crowds of Multan and Lahore,” he said adding that his second ODI score of 150-plus in Multan doubled the joy.
“I am looking forward to making the most of the form as we head into an exciting phase of cricket with the backend of the Asia Cup nearing and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup around the corner. My team and I are eager to bring joy and happiness to the millions of Pakistan fans.”
