Babar Azam breaks Virat Kohli's record, Pakistan win series 3-0
After dismantling Australia, Pakistan displayed their prowess in the shortest format against New Zealand and whitewashed them 3-0. Pakistan won the third T20I against Kiwis, in Dubai, by 47 runs as Pakistan scripted several records. Out of all the milestones, Pakistan batsman Babar Azam's feat is the most remarkable one. Babar broke Virat Kohli's record and became the fastest to 1,000 T20I runs.
Pakistan batsmen sent Kiwis on a leather hunt
Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed said that they had a target of 160+ while batting first, and they did live up to the task, scoring 166/3 with a brilliant 58-ball 79 from Azam. His innings included seven boundaries and two sixes. He was ably supported by Mohammad Hafeez, who scored 53 off 34 balls. New Zealand could only manage three Pakistani scalps during the innings.
Babar Azam goes past Kohli's record
Last night, as Azam was two shy of his fifty, he surpassed Indian skipper Virat Kohli's record of being the quickest to score 1,000 T20I runs. While Kohli achieved this in 27 innings, Azam reached the milestone in 26 innings.
Williamson put up a fight, but was not enough
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson played a solid knock, scoring 60 off 38 deliveries, with his innings being laced with eight fours and two sixes. Glen Phillips made 26, but once they got dismissed in the same over, the New Zealand batting witnessed a collapse. The Kiwis lost last six wickets coming for only 22 runs. Pakistan's Shadab Khan bagged three scalps.
Pakistan undoubtedly the strongest T20I side at the moment
Since Azam joined the Pakistani squad in 2016, they have won 29 out of 33 T20I matches. This win was their ninth consecutive T20I victory. Pakistani bowlers are putting in commendable shifts this term. Bowlers like Khan, Imad Wasim have become a serious threat in T20Is. Last night was the debut match of Waqas Maqsood and he displayed flashes of brilliance.
Pakistan had shown the same vigor against Australia
Before the New Zealand series, Pakistan absolutely dominated in their series against Australia. They won the Test series 1-0, and the 3-match T20I series 3-0. Azam was, once again, the star of the series with Khan running riot with his bowling. Azam was declared 'Player of the Series'. Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the ODI series from November 7.
