Stars finally align for the Men in Green! Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the two pillars of Pakistan cricket, delivered a dominant performance to secure a series victory against Ireland in the final T20I on May 14. Chasing a target of 178, Pakistan found themselves needing a strong showing after the series was tied 1-1.
Babar and Rizwan lit up for Pakistan
The experienced duo of Babar and Rizwan silenced any doubts with a magnificent batting display. Known for their calculated approach at times, both batsmen surprised everyone by going after the Irish bowling attack with exceptional aggression. This change in tactics paid off handsomely. The two added 139 runs for the second wicket in just 89 balls.
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Babar, the Pakistani captain, led the charge with a sensational 75 runs off just 42 deliveries. His knock was a masterclass in clean hitting, with a phenomenal strike rate of 178.57, a significant increase from his career average of less than 130.
| Babar Azam career SR | Babar Azam SR in 3rd T20I |
|---|---|
| 129.29 | 178.57 |
Rizwan, meanwhile, continued his fine form throughout the series, accumulating a total of 132 runs. He too showcased an impressive strike rate of 150, a significant jump from his career average of less than 128.
| M. Rizwan career SR | M. Rizwan SR in PAK vs IRE T20Is |
|---|---|
| 127.93 | 150.00 |
Encouraging signs for PAK ahead of T20 WC 2024
This dominant display by their batting mainstays is a positive development for Pakistan as they gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan hasn’t lifted the coveted trophy since 2009, and their fans are yearning for another championship under Babar’s leadership. With both Babar and Rizwan firing on all cylinders, Pakistan’s batting looks formidable, sending a strong warning to their opponents at the World Cup.
