Pakistan captain Babar Azam has won hearts not just with his stunning batting but also with his noble gesture. Ever since he has taken over Pakistan’s captaincy, his ability to inspire others made headlines many times. And, recently it was seen yet again during the presentation ceremony after Pakistan’s victory over West Indies in the first ODI at Multan.
Babar Azam smashed a number of records on his way to a century, which helped Pakistan successfully chase down the total of 306 runs. He smashed 103 runs before getting out and Pakistan won the game where a swashbuckling knock of left-hander Khushdil Shah sealed the deal. He smashed unbeaten innings of 41 off just 23 balls as well.
Meanwhile, Babar, who was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’, decided to give the award to Khushdil for his contribution. However, he was seen going up to the presentation area and saying that he wanted to give the award to Khushdil Shah.
Before this Gautam Gambhir had also done this in 2009 when he gave away his Man of the Match award to Virat Kohli, who had scored his maiden ODI ton in the fixture against Sri Lanka.
Lovely from Babar Azam 👏
He gives Khushdil Shah his POTM award for Khushdil's 23-ball 41pic.twitter.com/JT4xeyjnoV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 9, 2022
Even, the youngster excitedly signed the match ball as soon as Babar Azam announced that. However, it was his third century in a row, a feat he has achieved for the second time in ODIs and with this, he became the first batter ever to achieve this record. Babar Azam also broke Virat Kohli’s record of being the fastest to 1000 runs in ODIs as a captain as well.
“I always try to continue my game and work on my strengths. There was a little bit of a problem during the calling when I was batting with Imam. But it got better as the partnership moved on. The wicket was a little double-paced and wasn’t that easy. There was heat but that is not an excuse. Credit to the bowlers. Shadab came back and did well. The standards he sets on the field is brilliant as well. Cricket is changing. We have to plan and play with a lot of intensity. Outstanding finish from Khushdil. You have to take it deep so that there is less pressure on the finishers,” Babar Azam said after the game.
