A resounding win for Pakistan and a very special day for skipper Babar Azam (“Babar masterclass powers Pakistan to 9-wicket win over South Africa in high-scoring third T20”, April 15, Gulf Today).

His quick-fire 122 from 59 balls in the third T20 match at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday, sealed the series for his side. Pakistan has already won the ODI series in South Africa.

But it was also the day which propelled him to the top of the International Cricket Council’s rankings for ODI batsmen and pushed his India counterpart Virat Kohli, who controlled the spot for over three years, to second position. That is historic marker for the Pakistani skipper. Thanks to his heroic 82-ball 94 in Pakistan’s third ODI against South Africa, he amassed 865 point to Kohli 857 points. That aside, Babar needs to be lauded for steering his team to both the ODI and T20 victories on the current tour. A lot is in store, for sure from Babar.

Shakil Ahmed
By email