Babar Azam becomes second-fastest to 4,000 ODI runs: Key numbers
What's the story
Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam has become the second-fastest to 4,000 career ODI runs. He achieved the feat in the first ODI versus Australia on Tuesday in Lahore. Babar slammed a a defining 72-ball 57 but his knock wasn't enough. Pakistan went on to suffer an 88-run defeat to trail 0-1 in the three-match series. Here we decode Babar's numbers.
Runs
Babar gets past 4,000 ODI runs
Pakistan skipper Babar slammed a 72-ball 57. He hit six fours and shared a 96-run stand alongside Imam-ul-Haq for the second wicket. Notably, Babar registered his 18th ODI fifty. The stylish Babar has also surpassed the 4,000-run mark. He now has 4,042 runs at 56.92. Babar raced to 369 runs versus Australia, hammering his second fifty. He averages 52.71 versus the Aussies.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This is a special milestone for Babar, who continues to highlight his prowess as an all-format player. Babar has toppled several stars to script his name in the Top two. He is also the third-fastest to 3,000 ODI runs and the joint-second-fastest to 2,000. He is the joint-third-fastest to 1,000 ODI runs as well. What Babar has shown here is the desired consistency.
ODI
Pakistan lose the first ODI
Australia (313/7) were off to a strong start as Aaron Finch and Travis Head added 110 runs. After Finch's dismissal, Head completed a 72-ball 101. Ben McDermott (55), Marnus Labuschagne (25), Marcus Stoinis (26), and Cameron Green (40*) contributed too. In response, Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman early on before Babar and Imam contributed. Australia hit back and bowled the Pakistanis out for 225.
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Babar betters Viv Richards' feat
Babar is now the second-fastest to 4,000 ODI runs. He took 82 innings to reach the milestone. Former South African cricketer Hashim Amla (81 innings) holds the record for the fastest to 4,000 runs. Notably, Babar bettered Viv Richards' record of 88 innings.