NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali commended Babar Azam‘s performance in the first ODI against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, describing his display as ‘top-class’.
Babar scored 37 runs off 44 deliveries at a strike rate of 84.09 after his resignation as Pakistan’s limited-overs captain in Januray this year. His innings concluded in the 18th over when Australian spinner Adam Zampa dismissed him.
Basit observed that Babar exhibited ‘good form’ during the Melbourne ODI. He further noted that Babar’s batting demonstrated his strong desire to accumulate runs.
“Babar Azam looked in good form. His way of playing was top-class. Unfortunately, he played Adam Zampa off the back foot on a ball that he should have played on the front foot. His feet movement and how hungry he was for runs were good signs. It was something that he had been lacking across formats. After many years, I felt Babar Azam did top-class batting,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
On the match front, Australia opted to field first after winning the toss.
Pakistan’s innings was anchored by notable performances from Mohammad Rizwan (44 runs from 71 balls, 2 fours and 1 six), Naseem Shah (40 runs from 39 balls, 1 four and 4 sixes) and Babar Azam (37 runs from 44 balls, 4 fours), who collectively guided their team to a total of 203.
The Australian bowling attack was spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, who secured three wickets in his 10-over spell. Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa contributed effectively, claiming two wickets each in their respective spells.
Australia faced initial difficulties in their pursuit of the target, yet their experienced batting lineup proved sufficient for the task at hand.
Steven Smith (44 runs from 46 balls, 6 fours) and Josh Inglis (49 runs from 42 balls, 4 fours and 3 sixes) provided significant contributions to Australia’s chase, accumulating vital runs.
The match concluded with Pat Cummins (32 runs from 31 balls, 4 fours) and Mitchell Starc (2 runs from 12 balls) remaining not out, securing a two-wicket victory for Australia in the first ODI at Melbourne.