Babar Azam Equals Skipper MS Dhoni In Elite List, On Verge Of Claiming World Record In T20Is

15.04.2023 - 11:19 sports.ndtv.com

Pakistan started their T20I series against New Zealand with a comprehensive victory thanks to a brilliant bowling performance by Haris Rauf in Lahore on Friday.

The win was also extremely special for skipper Babar Azam as he equalled MS Dhoni's record of 41 victories as captain in T20I cricket.

It was the 100th T20I match for Babar and 67th as captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Overall, Babar is joint second the list of skippers with most wins in the shortest format of the sport behind former England captain Eoin Morgan and ex-Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai.

Both of them led their respective national teams to 42 victories and Babar is just one win away from the world record. Pakistan celebrated skipper Babar Azam's 100th international match in the shortest format with a clinical 88-run win in the first T20 against New Zealand in Lahore on Friday.

cricket MS Dhoni on Eoin Morgan Babar Azam Tom Latham New Zealand Afghanistan Pakistan

Pakistan vs New Zealand 4th ODI Live:The Pakistan cricket team made history as it secured an ODI series win over New Zealand for the first time in 12 years. With two games still to go and a 3-0 lead already in the bag, Babar Azam and his men might look to give a few youngsters a chance, though hoping to not compromise on quality. Fakhar Zaman has been the most in-form batter for Pakistan this series, aggregating 316 runs in three matches, at an average of 158. With the ball, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been ruling the roost, picking 6 and 5 wickets respectively, that see them dominating the bowling charts. As the two teams square off again, the Kiwis would look to salvage some pride.

Watch: Babar Azam's Reaction After Successful Review Sparks Meme Fest

Daryl Mitchell hit a second successive century while Tom Latham missed a ton by two runs as New Zealand piled up 336-5 in the second one-day international against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on Saturday. The stylish one-drop batter improved on his 113 in the first ODI on Thursday with 129 for 119 balls, and was ably supported by Latham (98) and Chad Bowes (51) after New Zealand were sent in to bat by Pakistan. Mitchell smashed three sixes and eight boundaries and consolidated the innings through a third-wicket stand of 183 with skipper Latham, as the pair took full advantage of a flat pitch.

Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI Live Updates: Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam Wins Toss, Opts To Bowl

Pakistan vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI Live: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl against New Zealand in the second ODI of the five-match series in Rawalpindi on Saturday. In the first ODI, host opener Fakhar Zaman hit a splendid century to anchor the side to a five-wicket win against New Zealand in the first ODI in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The left-hander smashed 13 boundaries and a six in his 117 made off 114 balls for his ninth ODI hundred as Pakistan chased down a target of 289 in 48.3 overs. The victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. (LIVE SCORECARD)

Pakistan Join India, Australia With Unique Feat To Enter Elite List Of ODI Teams

Pakistan registered a comfortable 5 wickets victory against New Zealand as they chased down the target of 289 with 9 balls to spare. This victory marked their 500 wins in the ODI format. Pakistan became the third team to reach the 500-win mark after Australia and India, getting to the landmark in their 949th ODI outing. Australia sits at the top of the list with 594 wins followed by India on 539. The achievement comes after Pakistan made their ODI debut in February 1973, and secured a first win in the format in their second ODI appearance - versus England at Nottingham in August 1974.

Babar Azam "Still Doesn't Know How To Do Captaincy": Ex-Pakistan Star's Scathing Remark

Pakistan squandered a 2-0 lead against New Zealand in the recently concluded five-match T20I series as the visitors fought their way back to level the series 2-2. After the fourth T20I was called off due to a hailstorm in Rawalpindi, New Zealand secured a comprehensive win in the fifth and final T20I to level the series. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has questioned captain Babar Azam's leadership credentials.

Pakistan And New Zealand Enter World Cup Mode With ODI Series

Pakistan and New Zealand contest a five-match one-day series starting on Thursday in Rawalpindi which serves as crucial build-up to the World Cup. The series offers both sides the opportunity to feel out each other's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the World Cup in India in October-November. The Black Caps shocked the home side by squaring a preceding five-match Twenty20 series 2-2 despite missing eight players -- including skipper Kane Williamson -- due to the ongoing Indian Premier League or injury.