‘One of my best hundred in Test’- Babar Azam opens up on his gritty century against Sri Lanka

Pakistan captain Babar Azam is not just breaking individual records but also taking the national team to victories. In the recently concluded Test match against Sri Lanka, the Pakistan batter came up with scores of 119 and 55 to lead his team to a four-wicket victory.
Pakistan chased down a target of 342 in the second innings to win the first of two Test matches. This was also Pakistan’s second biggest run chase in the history of cricket. The Pakistan captain explained his approach to the run chase in the post-match press conference.

“We approached our preparations according to the conditions here because in Galle spinners get help and later on when pitch becomes rough, there is more turn and bounce,” said Babar Azam in the post-match talk.

“Pakistan have produced many great fast bowlers and pacers have won us matches on flat tracks as well. It was a special hundred because the team needed it and whenever you score in difficult conditions, it gives you a very different kind of satisfaction and confidence.
“You can say it was one of my best hundred in Test, you need double concentration while playing with tailenders because you have to guide them,” he added.

I expect him (Shafique) to score many more hundreds- Babar Azam

Babar Azam was also appreciative of the young centurion Abdullah Shafique who made an unbeaten 160, his second in six matches, to take his team across the finish line. Speaking of the same, he said, “When you perform in different conditions as a youngster, you reach a different level of confidence. He scored against Australia so that helps a lot when you perform against quality bowling line-ups. He plays very clean and he is very focused and I expect him to score many more hundreds.

“I hope he (Shafique) can become one of the best players. After every match, you aim to work on your shortcomings and improve on what you are doing well,” Babar said.