Last Published: Mon, Nov 18, 2024 18:35
On Monday, Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam climbed to the second spot on the list of highest run-scorers in T20 Internationals, surpassing India's Virat Kohli. Babar reached this milestone during the final T20 match against Australia, accumulating 4,192 runs in 119 innings, edging past Kohli’s 4,188 runs in 117 innings. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, continues to lead the chart with 4,231 runs in 151 innings. With Rohit having retired from T20I cricket, Babar is poised to overtake him soon.
Australia’s Dominant Series Win
The match at Hobart's Bellerive Oval, which concluded with Australia completing a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan, saw Marcus Stoinis deliver an exceptional performance. Stoinis hammered five towering sixes in an unbeaten knock of 61 runs off just 27 balls, leading Australia to a seven-wicket victory. His innings featured powerful strikes, including one massive six that soared onto the stadium roof. “When he's going like that, it's really hard to stop,” said Australia’s skipper Josh Inglis, who was also impressed by Stoinis' power hitting.
Chasing Pakistan’s modest target of 118, Australia reached the finish line in the 12th over. The win provided a dominant conclusion to a series that saw Pakistan struggle despite having secured an ODI series victory earlier.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse
After electing to bat, Pakistan began promisingly with Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan opening the innings. Farhan’s stay was brief, dismissed for a mere three runs by Spencer Johnson. Babar played with elegance, top-scoring for his side with 41 runs. However, Pakistan’s batting lineup faltered as wickets tumbled. Haseebullah Khan’s steady 24 runs ended with an edge to Matt Short off Adam Zampa’s bowling, marking the beginning of a significant collapse. Usman Khan and Salman Agha followed quickly, and Pakistan found themselves struggling at 72-4 halfway through their innings. Babar’s dismissal by Zampa further deepened the trouble, with only Shaheen Shah Afridi providing a brief spark by smashing the innings' sole six before Pakistan was bundled out for 117 in 19 overs.
Stoinis Steals the Show
In response, Australia’s chase started briskly. Jake Fraser-McGurk scored early boundaries before falling to Jahandad Khan’s pace, and Matt Short was caught by Irfan Khan off Shaheen Afridi for two. Stoinis took charge in the ninth over, blasting Haris Rauf for 20 runs, including a breathtaking six that captivated the Hobart crowd. His rapid 55-run partnership with Josh Inglis laid the foundation for a swift victory, and Tim David’s calm presence at the crease helped seal the win.
Captain’s Comments and Future Outlook
“There’s lots of positives, the way some of the players batted and bowled,” said Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Agha, acknowledging the effort despite the series defeat. “We could have done better in the T20 series, but we'll come back stronger.”
For Babar Azam, who has now risen above Kohli in T20I run totals, the milestone adds to his already illustrious career. With Rohit Sharma’s T20I retirement, Babar is on the brink of taking the top spot, providing a silver lining for Pakistan as they regroup after the T20 setback.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan can take pride in their ODI series win—their first in Australia in 22 years—and will look to build on this achievement as they prepare for upcoming challenges.