Pakistan’s Babar Azam has joined an exclusive group of cricketers by becoming the second-fastest Asian to reach 12,000 runs in international cricket. Only India’s former captain Virat Kohli (276) has achieved this feat in fewer innings than Babar.
Babar accomplished this milestone during the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on Thursday (April 27). The Pakistan skipper scored 49 runs off 46 balls in the contest. Babar’s performance helped Men in Green win by five wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Following Pakistan’s victory against the Blackcaps, Babar spoke about his achievement, stating that he never plays for individual milestones. The right-handed batter also added that he sees this record as a byproduct of the efforts he puts in to win games for his country.
“I have never focused on individual milestones. My focus has always been to deliver for the team and give such performances that win matches for my team. When you play with that goal, you achieve milestones along the way. The aim should always be to give impactful performances. These milestones and records are byproducts of that mentality,” Babar told Cricket Pakistan.
“I do not have any personal ambition. What I want is to strive for the country’s success. I have never focused on achieving one record or the other. These things come with performance. But my main aim has always been to win the matches and tournaments for the country and make my performance count,” he added.
It is noteworthy that Babar is just 28 years old and considered one of the most talented batters in the world. His ability to score runs consistently has often earned him accolades from cricket experts and fans worldwide. However, Babar also faces criticism for his slow innings and is alleged of playing for personal achievements at times. Something similar happened after his statement, as netizens refused to agree with him and lambasted the batter over his remarks.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Let’s laugh😂😂😂😂😂
— Tushar1 (@tushar79821) April 29, 2023
Haha. Babar plays only for personal milestones!!
The whole world says that!!— Curious Soul (@livelovelearn02) April 29, 2023
He is lying 😡😡 pic.twitter.com/LtRELcEKBG
— MJ Mughal (@MJMughal14) April 29, 2023
— king4ever (@Shubhamdhekle4) April 29, 2023
Remove never word then it correct 🤣
— AJ (@jaat80577) April 29, 2023
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/WLwws99oKL
— Himanshu (@khetan200104) April 29, 2023
😂😂😂😂🔔 pic.twitter.com/2R6nD3K3Kz
— CRICK-HEART 🇮🇳💙 (@KOneStatus1) April 29, 2023
Statpadder … pic.twitter.com/zB0HoB8MwQ
— शौर्य_b (@b_shorya) April 29, 2023
Perfect example of 100 chuhe kha k bili haj ko chali .. https://t.co/0KMInk0W55
— kirat.13 (@kirat13__) April 29, 2023