Is Babar Azam's form a positive sign for Pakistan?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling series finale, Babar Azam shines with a pivotal half-century, leading Pakistan to a decisive victory over South Africa. Captain Salman Ali Agha highlights the importance of teamwork and Babar's return to form, sparking hope for future matches. Can this performance signal a turning point for Pakistan cricket?
Key Takeaways
- Babar Azam's return to form is pivotal for Pakistan's success.
- Teamwork and strategy played a crucial role in the series win.
- Salman Ali Agha's leadership is vital for future matches.
- The bowlers effectively restricted the opposition's scoring.
- Pakistan's cricketing future looks promising with experienced players stepping up.
Lahore, Nov 2 (NationPress) Following the conclusion of the T20I series with a 2-1 victory over South Africa, Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged the significant role of senior batsman Babar Azam's fluent half-century in securing a four-wicket triumph in the decisive match on Saturday.
In pursuit of 140 runs, Pakistan achieved the target with six balls remaining, largely due to Babar’s steady innings of 68 runs from 47 deliveries – marking his first T20I half-century in 13 innings since May 2024. His timely return to form is critical for Pakistan, who made a commendable comeback after suffering a 55-run defeat in the opening match held in Rawalpindi.
Babar played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after an early loss, with opener Saim Ayub dismissed for a duck, leaving the team at 8-1. He partnered with captain Salman Ali Agha (33 runs from 26 balls, including 2 fours) to add 76 runs for the third wicket, helping Pakistan gain a solid footing. Despite losing a few late wickets, Usman Khan (six not out) and Faheem Ashraf (four not out) ensured a comfortable finish for the hosts.
"We knew that singles and doubles would be sufficient to secure the victory. That was our strategy, and we anticipated an over like the one against Baartman when we scored four boundaries, which nearly clinched the match for us," Agha stated.
The captain expressed admiration for Babar's versatility and determination, commending his unparalleled work ethic and meticulous preparation. He emphasized that, irrespective of current form, Babar's dedication to improvement and readiness exemplifies the qualities expected in international cricket.
"We are all overjoyed for Babar. The entire nation shares in this joy. In crucial matches, top players rise to the occasion. He demonstrated that today, and I sincerely hope he maintains this performance level for the next four to five years," remarked the Pakistan captain.
"Both matches have been won convincingly. Our bowlers kept the opponents under a manageable total, which is a focus of our team discussions. We aim to score above par and restrict others below par. The bowlers executed their roles effectively, making the chase straightforward in both games."
Point of View
It is evident that Babar Azam's resurgence in form is crucial for Pakistan's cricketing future. His performance not only boosts team morale but also instills confidence among fans. The combination of experienced players and young talent is essential for a balanced team, and Agha's leadership will be vital moving forward.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Babar Azam's score in the final T20I match?
Babar Azam scored 68 runs off 47 balls in the final T20I match against South Africa.
How did Pakistan perform in the T20I series against South Africa?
Pakistan won the T20I series 2-1 against South Africa.
What did Salman Ali Agha say about Babar's performance?
Salman Ali Agha praised Babar for his determination and work ethic, stating that he plays a crucial role in big matches.
What was the chase target for Pakistan in the final match?
Pakistan chased a target of 140 runs in the final T20I match.
How did the bowling performance contribute to the series win?
The bowlers kept the South African team below par, which was a key strategy discussed in team meetings.
