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- Kamran Akmal has praised Babar Azam’s impressive mental strength during the first ODI match against New Zealand, noting that his ability to sustain momentum and score crucial runs was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory.
- Pakistan won their opening ODI match against New Zealand by 5 wickets, with a strong batting performance from Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan.
- The two teams will face each other again for their second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Kamran Akmal, has praised skipper Babar Azam’s impressive mental strength during the first ODI match against New Zealand. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal noted that Babar’s ability to sustain momentum and score crucial runs was instrumental in Pakistan’s victory. He added that Babar’s partnership of 86 runs with Mohammad Rizwan was equally important and praised his captain’s mental toughness in the face of pressure.
“It’s not relatively easy for a batsman to carry on and sustain the momentum as soon as his preceding batsman returns to the pavilion. The only player who can successfully tackle such a situation is the one who is mentally strong, and that is certainly Babar. He knows how to score runs that will contribute to the team’s victory. The partnership that he built of 86 runs was crucial and equally important,” Akmal said.
“If Pakistan had suffered a back-to-back wicket loss at that point, it must have been easier for New Zealand to dominate Pakistan yet again. Despite playing well, Babar was rather unlucky to remain stranded at 49,” he further added.
Also, read: Kamran Akmal announces retirement from all forms of cricket
Pakistan won their opening ODI match against New Zealand by 5 wickets, thanks to a strong batting performance. Fakhar Zaman and Imam ul Haq provided a solid foundation with a 124-run partnership, while Babar’s steady innings and Rizwan’s quick cameo towards the end ensured an easy victory for Pakistan.
The two teams will face each other again for their second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Babar Azam’s performance in the first ODI match against New Zealand also received praise from former Pakistan cricketer Faisal Iqbal, who tweeted, “What an innings by Babar Azam, 49 off 63 balls, anchored the innings from one end, stayed calm, composed and absorbed pressure beautifully.”
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja called Babar Azam’s captaincy “outstanding” and praised him for leading by example.
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