Pakistan captain Babar Azam has become the number one batsman in One-day International (ODI) cricket after the latest International Cricket Council (ICC)’s player rankings update. Babar has replaced Indian captain and star batsman Virat Kohli at the top of the table with 865 points. Kohli is at the second position with 857 points, followed by Rohit Sharma with 825 points in the third spot.
On the same day, Pakistan’s opening pair of skipper Babar and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan have opened up after their record-breaking stand in the third Twenty20 International (T20I) against South Africa. The duo stitched a memorable 197-run opening partnership, which was Pakistan’s highest in the shortest format of the game, to take the side to a crushing eight-wicket victory. The win also helped the Men in Green take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Celebrities among fans lauded the duo for their brilliant win as many congratulated Babar on making it to the top! Here's what they had to say:
Phenomenal performance by Babar. Well done!! And congratulations to Pakistan team on the win @babarazam258 #PakvRSA pic.twitter.com/6PxNHUVBbn
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) April 14, 2021
Never have I ever seen such convincing run chase , risk free, full of class !
— Farhan Saeed (@farhan_saeed) April 14, 2021
Take a bow @babarazam258 , what an innings, what class , this one was for the books ! @iMRizwanPak what a great knock!
Congratulations @TheRealPCB .#PAKvSA
#1. #babarazam https://t.co/IVXgoGkyh8
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) April 14, 2021
Oh yes its absolutely true @babarazam258 batting is master class... 100/49 balls and still on fire
— Faysal Quraishi (@faysalquraishi) April 14, 2021
Babar then expressed his gratitude and shared, "Words cannot define the gratitude I have for my fans and especially the people of my country. This couldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support and trust. Thank you for making me feel blessed & honoured. Keep supporting. Keep praying. Keep believing."
Words cannot define the gratitude I have for my fans & especially the people of my country. This couldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support & trust. Thank you for making me feel blessed & honoured. Keep supporting. Keep praying. Keep believing. #PakistanZindabad pic.twitter.com/oR4UF6xqmK
— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) April 14, 2021
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