Babar Azam eclipsed India’s iconic skipper, MS Dhoni, to become the batter with the most runs as a captain in the history of the T20 World Cup. During Pakistan’s final group-stage clash against Ireland in Florida on Sunday, Babar played the anchor role, striking 32* off 34 deliveries.
He held on to one end, playing a crucial role in their 3-wicket triumph in a tricky chase of 107. After his composed knock, he surpassed Dhoni and now has 549 runs to his name in 17 innings as captain in the T20 World Cup. Previously, Dhoni held the record with 529 runs in 29 innings. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is also close to overtaking Dhoni, being just two runs shy of 529, and could surpass him in the Kiwis’ next game against Papua New Guinea on Monday.
While Babar broke the record with his bat, his star pacer, who was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning all-round performance, also made history. Shaheen picked three wickets in his four-over spell, giving away 22 runs at a mere economy of 5.50. In the climax of the nerve-racking chase, he slogged two sixes into the stands to end Pakistan’s campaign on a winning note.
