The Asia Cup 2023 got off to a great start for co-hosts Pakistan. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam scored 151 in the first innings of the tournament’s opening match versus Nepal in Multan on Wednesday, using 131 balls. He was involved with Iftikhar Ahmed in a massive partnership which held Pakistan’s ship steady while three of the top five batsmen were dismissed for low scores on a pitch that was batting friendly.
In just the 102nd ODI inning, he scored his 19th century, becoming the quickest player to accomplish the feat. The second-highest score by an individual throughout Asia Cup history, he also made history by being the first skipper to score in excess of 150 runs in a match.
“Some things and some praises give you confidence” : Babar Azam
Virat Kohli referring to him as the “top” batsman across all forms in 2022, according to Pakistani captain Babar Azam, proved to be a “very proud” experience for him and boosted his self-assurance.
In 2022, Kohli commended Babar for maintaining his regard for him and his approach towards him despite achieving new heights in the sport. Such athletes, according to him, inspire many others and go a long way. Babar Azam told Star Sports after watching the video clip of Kohli and said, “It feels very good when someone passes comments like that about you. Virat Kohli’s comments about me, that was a very proud moment for me and it felt very good. Some things and some praises give you confidence.”
The Pakistan skipper added on how his meeting with Virat Kohli after their encounter in the 2019 World Cup went. He said, “I went to meet him during the 2019 World Cup. He was at his peak then and is there now as well. I wanted to take (learn) something from him. I got to learn a lot. I asked him some questions which I needed answers to and he explained everything very nicely.”
Fans react to Babar Azam praising Virat Kohli after completing 19th ODI century during Asia Cup 2023:
Babar Azam said, "when I met Virat Kohli during the 2019 World Cup, he was at the peak of his power, he's still at his peak. I asked him a few questions, he generously explained. I've learnt alot from him". (Star Sports). pic.twitter.com/fwmFCRSfAD
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 31, 2023
Yeah Virat >> Babar by a mile
— Pratik (@fake_engineer7) August 31, 2023
Meanwhile Virat Kohli : Sachin is my Idol. I have learnt a lot from him.
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) August 31, 2023
I've learnt alot from him. #Respect ??
— Chandrayaan3 ?? (@shad_ind) August 31, 2023
The mutual respect!
— CricketCraze18 (@cricket_craze18) August 31, 2023
Official baap of Pakistan
— Wellu (@Wellutwt) August 31, 2023
Babar Azam ?? King Kohli. ?
— Wa?iyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) August 31, 2023
Babar Azam Fan Club aur Virat Kohli Fan Club se Engagement kheenchne ki wahiyaad aur sadly safal koshish.
— Indian Tintin (@IndianTintin_) August 31, 2023
Once a ?king always be a king : VIRAT KOHLI
— yash raj (@DIVYANS44692151) August 31, 2023
Don't spread hate respect for both ?? pic.twitter.com/jqNmVZ003D
— i_mpzd (@impzd2) August 31, 2023
