Table of Contents
Yesterday, Mohammad Rizwan became the second Pakistan batsman and first Pakistan wicket-keeper to score a T20I century. Today we will look at the top six innings in Pakistan’s Twenty20 International cricket.
1. Ahmed Shehzad 111* vs Bangladesh
ICC World T20 2014, Group Stage
One of the stylish Pakistan openers who lost his gem in recent years, Ahmed Shehzad became the first Pakistan batsman to score a century in the shortest format in international cricket. He scored it against Bangladesh, who were the hosts of the ICC World T20 2014 tournament.
In the group match, Pakistan needed to win two out of two to qualify for their fifth straight knock-out stage in the tournament. Playing against Bangladesh, Ahmed Shehzad’s unbeaten 111 took Pakistan to 190-5 before bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 140-7, winning by 50 runs.
He had to wait for seven years for someone else to join his elite record in T20I for Pakistan.
2. Umar Akmal 94 vs Australia
ICC World T20 2014, Group Stage
Umar Akmal was the first Pakistan batsman to be in the 90s.
Before Ahmed Shehzad’s 111*, Umar Akmal scored a brilliant 94 against Australia in the same tournament, just a match before Bangladesh. After they lost to India in the tournament opener, Pakistan was facing Australia. Umar Akmal’s 94 helped Pakistan post a total of 191-5.
The match was a thrilling one, but Pakistan came on top as they defeated Australia by 16 runs. It was the first time that a Pakistan batsman entered in the 90s in T20I and many believed that Umar Akmal thrown his golden opportunity away.
3. Fakhar Zaman 91 vs Australia
Zimbabwe Tri-Series final 2018
Fakhar Zaman’s 91 helped Pakistan win the tri-series
Australia and Pakistan were in Zimbabwe in 2018 Tri-series. Australia and Pakistan were obvious finalists in the tournament. Australia batted first and post total of 183-8.
Pakistan had never beaten Australia in any final for over 19 years. Fakhar Zaman started off for his side as he blasted away to 91. His innings helped Pakistan to chase down 183 with six wickets to spare to win the T20I tri-series and Fakhar’s innings was adjusted the Man of the Match award.
4. Babar Azam 86 vs World XI
Pakistan vs World XI 2017
It was a historic series for Pakistan as the World XI, announced by the ICC, toured the country. Pakistan were coming off a historic Champions Trophy victory. Pakistan and World XI played a three-match series.
In the very first match, Babar Azam scored 86 to help Pakistan post a total of 197-5 in their 20 overs, before restricting World XI to 177-7. Babar Azam would go on and become the player of the series as he ends the series as the highest run-getter.
5. Mohammad Hafeez 86 vs South Africa
Pakistan tour of South Africa 2013
One of the finest performance by a Pakistani captain in T20Is, Mohammad Hafeez scored a brilliant 86 against South Africa in the 2013 series. With the first T20I game was abandoned, the final game was about winner takes all.
The captain of Pakistan scored 86 to help Pakistan post a total of 195-7. Then he took three wickets in his spell of 3-25 to bowl South Africa all-out for 100, winning the match by 95 runs.
6. Misbah ul-Haq 66* vs Australia
ICC World T20 2007, Group Stage
Perhaps one of the best innings in the earlier days of Pakistan’s T20I cricket, Misbah ul-Haq scored an unbeaten 66 not out to help Pakistan chase Australia’s total down of 164. This was an important innings as this helps Pakistan to go on and qualify for the semi-finals.
Misbah was Pakistan’s first batsman who was ranked as number 1 in the ICC’s T20 rankings.
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