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Babar Azam delivered a riveting speech after Pakistan secured the World No.1 spot in the lead-up to the Asia Cup.
In a remarkable turn of events before the Asia Cup, Pakistan claimed the coveted top spot in the world rankings. Following this achievement, Babar Azam, with his charismatic presence, delivered a captivating speech. As Pakistan gears up for the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, Babar Azam’s team showcased their prowess on Saturday, clinching victory against Afghanistan in the final bilateral One Day International (ODI) match against the backdrop of towering Asian giants.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the dynamic duo of Pakistan’s international batting, exhibited their world-class synergy. Their partnership flourished on the stage of R. Premadasa Stadium, as they set forth to challenge the spectators’ expectations by amassing a challenging score. Babar Azam, wielding his willow with finesse, orchestrated a masterful innings of 60 runs from 86 deliveries. On the other hand, wicketkeeper-batsman Rizwan’s spirited performance saw him amass the highest score (67) for Pakistan. This remarkable feat enabled the Green Army to post a commendable score of 268-8 in their allotted 50 overs.
With a target of 269 runs to defend, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by the tenacious Faheem Ashraf, embraced the pressure. The trio of dismissals included the prized scalp of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose blistering bat once again emulated his 1992 World Cup counterpart. Gurbaz’s heroic knock of 151 runs in the second ODI against the World Cup victors couldn’t steer Afghanistan past the finish line on this occasion.
The third and final ODI of the series bore witness to a dominant display by Pakistan’s bowlers, as they dismantled Afghanistan’s batting order. Shadab Khan’s cunning spin accounted for the dismissals of Riyan Hassan (34), Hashmatullah Shahidi (13), and Shahidullah Kamal (37), leaving Afghanistan struggling at the driving seat. Despite Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s valiant effort, scoring 64 runs from 37 balls, his valor was in vain as Rashid Khan’s valiant attempts to salvage Afghanistan’s innings were thwarted. The Rashid Khan-led unit eventually crumbled at 209 runs, granting Pakistan a decisive victory by 59 runs in the third ODI.
This thrilling encounter not only marked Pakistan’s supremacy but also showcased the depth of talent and resilience present in both teams. As the Asia Cup approaches, cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate a captivating clash of skills and spirit, with Pakistan’s resounding victory setting the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.
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‘Har bande ka dil saaf hai: Babar delivers a powerful speech ahead of Asia Cup
Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, gave an inspiring speech in the dressing room before the Asia Cup. Pakistan’s team, following a remarkable series of victories, has risen to become the number 1 team in the One Day International (ODI) rankings, surpassing the five-time World Champion Australia. After the memorable winning streak for Pakistan, Babar addressed his team with a motivational speech.
“We are the number one team today due to our relentless hard work. Through hard work, ups and downs, emotions, we have experienced it all in our lives, but the unity of this team remains unshaken. Much has transpired, but we have risen above due to our bonding. ‘Every heart is pure.’ ‘Am I not?’ Babar quipped, saying that everyone should be content with each other’s performances and strive to maintain this attitude.
India to meet Pakistan in Asia Cup opener
In the opening match of the Asia Cup, Pakistan faced India in a thrilling encounter. In the third ODI, Rizwan from Pakistan was selected as the Player of the Match for his invaluable innings. Opener Imam-ul-Haq clinched the Player of the Series award. Imam’s 165 runs in the three-match series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan proved pivotal.
“One day our bowling will win us matches, one day our batting will win us matches. We won’t say, ‘This department is doing this, that department isn’t.’ We will speak only as one team,” Babar emphasized. He added, “There won’t be an ‘I’, only ‘we’.” As former champions, India clashed with Pakistan in the Asia Cup’s first match on Saturday.
Babar Azam’s words reflect the spirit of unity, determination, and camaraderie within the Pakistan cricket team. Their journey to the top spot in the ODI rankings has been marked by hard work, mutual support, and a strong bond among the players. As they prepare to face India and other opponents in the Asia Cup, Babar’s message serves as a reminder that success is a result of collective effort and a shared goal, transcending individual achievements.
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