Pakistan captain Babar Azam praised his team’s effort in a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Australia at the Gadaffi Stadium, leveling the three-match ODI series.
Pakistan got off to a strong start in pursuit of 349 runs, as openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq put up 118 runs for the first wicket in an outstanding opening stand. However, the wicket brought Babar Azam to the crease, and he produced yet another outstanding ODI performance, putting on a 111-run stand with Imam.
“The strategy was to bat positively and in pairs. When you have wickets in hand, it gets much easier towards the finish, and there is no need to worry about meeting the needed rate. We let up 20 runs too much, and we’ll try to improve in the upcoming game “In a post-match presentation, Babar Azam stated.
“It’s a wonderful time for me and the squad to be back in my hometown. The team’s total effort is highly commendable. We couldn’t find it the last time, and today it took a whole team effort to find it “Added he.
Iftikhar Ahmed scored the winning runs with six balls and six wickets remaining for Pakistan, setting up a decider in the third and final ODI.
Earlier, Ben McDermott’s first century had aided Australia’s 348/8 total. With Marnus Labuschagne hitting 59 from 49 and Marcus Stoinis hitting 49 from 33, Australia ccapitalized on the foundation laid by McDermott and Head.
But Afridi, who got three wickets in the final five overs to reduce the total to 348/8, prevented the score from reaching the 300s. Afridi finished with standout figures of 4/63.
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