In a thrilling Super Four opener against Bangladesh the Gaddafi Stadium during the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, Babar Azam, Pakistan's ODI captain, achieved a remarkable milestone.
While Pakistan exhibited a stellar performance, defeating Shakib Al Hasan's Bangladesh by seven wickets, Babar etched his name in the annals of cricket history.
Though Babar's individual contribution in the match was modest, with only 17 runs off 22 deliveries, he reached an impressive milestone of 2000 runs as an ODI captain in just 31 innings.
Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli to become the fastest captain to 2000 ODI runs
Notably, the 28-year-old skipper now holds the title of the fastest captain to achieve this remarkable feat, surpassing the former Indian captain Virat Kohli, who accomplished it in 36 innings. Babar Azam, known as the number one ODI batsman, took over the captaincy of Pakistan's 50-over format in 2019 and has consistently been a standout performer in contemporary cricket.
As the Asia Cup 2023 unfolds, Pakistan is determined to excel in the Super Four stage. Their upcoming clash against India at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on September 10 promises to be a marquee showdown, renewing the rivalry between these two cricketing giants after their Group A match on September 2 was washed out due to rain.
Following the encounter with India, the Men in Green will lock horns with co-hosts Sri Lanka in their final Super Four match. Pakistan's hopes for securing a spot in the final for the second consecutive time largely rest on Babar's batting prowess.
Babar Azam currently ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing continental championship, amassing an impressive 168 runs from three matches at an average of 84.
His batting prowess shone brightly in the tournament opener against Nepal, where he notched his 19th century in the 50-over format. Babar's stellar performance, accumulating 151 runs during the match, played a pivotal role in Pakistan's comfortable 238-run victory.
