Babar Azam Wants World Cup Glory To Fulfil Boyhood Dreams

High-flying skipper Babar Azam hopes that his extraordinary run-scoring can fire Pakistan to World Cup glory -- and in the process fulfil a childhood dream. The 27-year-old is in the form of his life across the three formats of international cricket and last week became the first batter to hit three consecutive centuries on two separate occasions in ODIs. But Azam told AFP that his prolific form will count for little if it does not bring success at the T20 World Cup in October in Australia and the 50-over showpiece in India next year.

"No doubt I am enjoying my form," top-order batsman Azam, who is ranked number one in the world in both ODI cricket and T20 internationals, said in emailed comments.

"But with this form my prime goal is to win the two World Cups for Pakistan in the next one-and-a-half years and if that happens I will feel that my runs are worth gold."

The man dubbed "King" featured in two junior World Cups in 2010 and 2012, scoring most runs for his country on both occasions, but Pakistan failed to win the titles.

Azam fired a match-winning hundred against eventual runners-up New Zealand at the 2019 ODI World Cup but Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

They fell to eventual champions Australia in last year's T20 World Cup semi-finals in the United Arab Emirates despite Azam again excelling with the bat.

Ball boy to star

Azam learnt the game in the streets and grounds of Lahore at the age of 12.

"When I started playing cricket as a schoolboy the target was to play international cricket for Pakistan, become the world's top batsman in such a manner that it helps my team to win all the titles," he said.

His father Azam Siddique has always been his number one fan and crucial support.

"I was crazy