Source: X
Babar Azam is the number 1 ranked ODI batter in the current ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings. The Pakistani skipper has played 107 matches since his debut in 2015. In those 107 matches, he has scored 5,380 runs at an average of 58.47. In recent years, he has improved his game even more. Since the year 2019, Babar has scored 3,113 runs in 53 ODI matches. His average during this period has been more than 63. But how does Babar Azam perform against different teams?
Babar Azam vs different teams
Vs England
Advertisement
Babar Azam has played the joint-most matches against England and New Zealand. He has played 19 matches against England and scored 816 runs. In these 19 matches, Babar has scored two centuries and five half-centuries against England. His average against the 2019 World Cup champions is 48 and the highest score of 158 runs.
Vs New Zealand
Against New Zealand, Babar has blown hot and cold. He has 840 runs against the 2019 World Cup runner-up at an average of 46.66. He has two centuries but also has two ducks against the Black Caps. He even has seven half-centuries against the Kiwis. His strike rate against New Zealand is 83.
Vs Sri Lanka
Babar has played in 10 matches against Sri Lanka. He has an impressive record against the island country. In 10 games he has scored 496 runs at an average of 62 with a strike rate of 82.39. He even has three centuries and one half-century against them.
Vs South Africa
Against South Africa, the Pakistani skipper scored 523 runs at an average of 65.37 with a strike rate of 89.55. He already has scored one century and three half-centuries against South Africa.
Vs West Indies
In 10 matches against the 1975 and 1979 World Cup champions. He has scored 717 runs against West Indies at an average of 79.66 with a strike rate of 92.63. He has scored the most centuries against the West Indies. He has five centuries and one half-century against West Indies.
Vs Australia
He has played nine matches against the five-time Cricket World Cup champions. He has scored 588 runs against them at a high average of 73.5 with a strike rate of 91.73. He has scored three centuries and two half-centuries against Australia.
Vs Zimbabwe
Babar’s best stats come against Zimbabwe. In nine matches, he has scored 459 runs at a humungous average of 114.75 with a strike rate of 100.43. He has two centuries and two half-centuries against Zimbabwe.
Vs India
Against arch-rivals, India, Babar has the poorest form. In seven matches against India, he has just scored 168 runs at a low average of 28 with a strike rate of 72.41.
Vs Afghanistan
Afghanistan is another team against whom Babar has struggled a bit. In five matches, Babar has scored 224 runs at an average of 44.8 with a strike rate of 74.66. He has scored three half-centuries against them but has failed to cross the triple-figure mark.
Vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh too has posed many problems to the Pakistani skipper. He has 114 runs against them at an average of 38 with a strike rate of 92.68 in three matches. He just has one solitary half-century against them.
Vs Netherlands, Nepal, Ireland, Hong Kong
In 6 matches against the Netherlands, Nepal, Ireland and Hong Kong, Babar has scored 435 runs. He has an average of 72.5 against the four nations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Babar Azam’s journey through international cricket is a tale of remarkable consistency and adaptability. As the world’s top-ranked ODI batter, his stellar performances against various cricketing giants showcase his versatility. While he shines brightly against teams like West Indies, Australia and England, his struggles against arch-rivals, India and Afghanistan remind us of the challenges even the best face. Nevertheless, his ability to adapt and deliver remarkable performances against most opponents cements his status as a true cricketing talent. As Babar continues to evolve, cricket fans can eagerly anticipate more outstanding innings and records in the making.