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Cricket World Player of the Week - Babar Azam

by Saksham Mishra & Cricket World Monday 1 November 2021

©CWM

The conditions of the UAE in the ongoing T20 World Cup have suited Pakistan captain Babar Azam and he has made the most of it.

The Pakistan batting line-up feels completely at home when 140-150 is a winning total and this is what is happening more or less in the UAE.

When the Pakistan batting line-up does not have the pressure of scoring at 10 RPO or close to it, it brings out their best game. By the same token, the conditions of the UAE have suited Babar Azam perfectly.

The Pakistan captain, who is a delight to watch when on song and the way the ball pings of his bat is exceptional, has already struck two match-winning half-centuries in the competition. He struck 68 not out against India in a thumping victory and another controlled half-century against Afghanistan.

Azam is the top run-scorer for Pakistan currently with 128 runs at a strike rate of 116. He has struck 11 fours and 2 sixes. He has got great support from opening partner Mohammad Rizwan who has also made 120 runs at a strike rate of 121.

Courtesy of the two and some penetrative bowling, Pakistan are placed at the top spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Group 2 points table with wins from their first 3 matches of the Super 12 stage and have emerged as favourites for the title.

Pakistan's Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan shone against India.

A breakdown of the greatest opening stand in Men’s #T20WorldCup history ??https://t.co/nB9QOAKPOW
— ICC (@ICC) October 25, 2021