Pakistan vs New Zealand 2023

'C team ke against statpadding karunga' - Fans react as Babar Azam scores century against New Zealand in 2nd T20I

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam scored his third T20I century in the second T20I against New Zealand on Saturday.

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Babar Azam

Babar Azam (Image credit: Twitter)

Babar Azam Babar Azam (Image credit: Twitter)

Babar Azam's unbeaten century and Haris Rauf's four wicket-haul led Pakistan to another comfortable win over New Zealand in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Saturday, April 15. The Pakistan captain smashed the final ball of the innings for a boundary, completing his third international century in the shorter format and leading his team to a 38-run victory.

After opting to bat first, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan got the side off to a flying start with a 99-run partnership for the first wicket. Rizwan scored 50 runs off 34 balls before being dismissed by Matt Henry in the 11th over. The Kiwi pacer produced a double breakthrough by dismissing Fakhar Zaman in the very next delivery. Pakistan lost another two wickets in quick succession, when Saim Ayub and Imad Wasim were sent back for cheap scores.

However, Babar rebuilt the innings with Iftikhar Ahmed, adding an 87-run partnership, and both remained unbeaten as they post a competitive total of 192 for the loss of four wickets. The skipper scored 101 runs off 58 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, while Iftikhar scored a brisk 33 runs off 19 balls.

Babar achieved another milestone in T20 cricket

During the post-match interview, Babar, who was named Player of the Match for his magnificent century, expressed his happiness with his performance in the match. The right-handed batter also achieved a huge milestone with his impressive ton against New Zealand. Babar now has the most hundreds as a captain in T20 cricket, overtaking Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.

“I am very happy with my performance in this match. There was a bit of help for the fast bowlers early on but Rizwan and myself saw that period through, built a partnership and then Iftikhar and myself finished it off. We utilized the last five overs and got to a very good total,” he said.

New Zealand was missing captain Kane Williamson, who suffered an injury during the IPL, and the team was led by Tom Latham. Mark Chapman, who scored 65 runs off 40 balls, was the only fighter for the Black Caps. The rest of the batters were unable to resist much time on the crease as Rauf attacked the opposition, grabbing four wickets and giving only 27 runs in four overs.

Here's how fans reacted Babar Azam's innings: 

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