All those who had brutally criticised Pakistani captain Babar Azam for not taking his franchise team Karachi Kings to victory at the 7th edition of the Pakistani Super League, must have got a fitting retort from the skipper on Tuesday.

After his team’s exit from the PSL people started talking nasty things about the star, but the way Babar stood against the mighty Australia in the second Test at the National Stadium, Karachi showed his class, craft and temperament. No wonder he is considered as one of the best batters of his generation. He literally saved Pakistan from the jaws of defeat. He denied a victory to Australia, which looked invincible on day 4.  I really appreciate former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar for defending Babar during the PSL matches. Shoaib knows the value of the skipper.

He always keeps saying Babar is a big match player and this is what Babar displayed during the second Test. Though Babar missed his double ton by four runs, this innings will remain etched in the memory of cricket lovers for a very long time. I consider it as the best ever innings by a batter. I am sure Australia might not have anticipated such a strong resistance from such a young captain. Well done, skipper!

Shahid Ahmed,
By email