Following Babar Azam’s stunning 59-ball 90 against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up match on October 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan poured admiration on him. Despite the captain’s strike, Pakistan lost the game by a score of 14 runs. The 28-year-old had amassed 80 runs against New Zealand in Pakistan’s opening exhibition game played at the same venue.
On October 5, the eagerly awaited World Cup will kick off. According to Pathan, Babar has been in excellent shape leading up to the ICC international event. On October 6 in Hyderabad, the Men in Green will open their campaign against the Netherlands.
The 38-year-old went on to say that Pakistan’s top order might be the biggest worry for the 1992 champions. He stated that Mitchell Starc will be important for the five-time champions and that Josh Inglis is one player he looks up to.
“Babar Azam appears to have a strong World Cup. Nawaz is a major asset for Pakistan right now. They are very concerned about openers. If Josh Inglis gets the chance, I’m excited to watch him bat in that lineup for Australia.
a fascinating player. In light of their bowling setup, they will place the greatest emphasis on Starc’s bowling and their ability to perform effectively during game-defining moments, wrote Irfan Pathan on X.
Babar Azam looks solid for this World Cup. Nawaz is big plus for Pakistan today. Openers are big worry for them. For Australia I’m looking forward to see Josh Inglis bat in that line up if he gets an opportunity. Exciting player. Looking at their bowling set up, Starc’s Bowling…
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 3, 2023
Pakistan lost to Australia by 14 runs.
Australia won the toss and decided to bat first in the exhibition game. Thanks to half-centuries by Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, Australia scored 351 runs. With 48 runs each, David Warner and Josh Inglis also made a substantial impact. Usama Mir secured two wickets for Pakistan.
Pakistan put up an excellent performance despite its top order’s difficulties getting off to a strong start. However, Australia was able to restrict Pakistan by 337 runs in 47.4 overs because to Marnus Labuschagne’s three-wicket haul. For Pakistan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Nawaz all scored fifty.
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