Pakistan captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan left an indelible mark on the recently-concluded three-match T20I series against Ireland, shattering records and showcasing their prowess ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
Despite an initial setback with a five-wicket loss in the first match, Babar Azam’s team rallied back to clinch the series 2-1 at Dublin’s Clontarf Cricket Club, displaying dominant performances in the remaining T20Is.
Babar Azam etched his name in the record books as the first Pakistani batsman to score 25 runs in a single over in T20Is, achieving this milestone against Ireland’s Benjamin White. The 29-year-old maestro hammered four sixes in the over, a feat unprecedented in his career, alongside a single run. Prior to this, only four Pakistani batters had managed to notch up 24 runs in an over.
Adding to his accolades, Babar Azam surpassed Virat Kohli’s record to become the highest 50+ scorer in T20 internationals, registering his 39th half-century or more. His stellar performance in the final match against Ireland saw him notch up 75 runs, further solidifying his status as a T20 powerhouse.
Teaming up with Mohammad Rizwan, the duo orchestrated a new partnership record against Ireland, amassing a formidable 139 runs. Babar’s aggressive 75 off 42 balls, studded with 5 sixes and 6 fours, complemented Rizwan’s composed 56, featuring 3 sixes and 4 fours. This partnership marked their 10th century stand together in T20 internationals, a milestone unmatched by any other pair in the format. Additionally, they became the first duo to surpass 3,000 partnership runs in T20Is, underscoring their exceptional synergy on the field.
As Babar Azam notched up his 17th century partnership in T20Is, reaffirming his status as the player with the most century stands, Mohammad Rizwan contributed his 13th century partnership to their joint legacy, further cementing their place among cricket’s elite partnerships.
