In the dynamic world of cricket, where the quest for excellence knows no bounds, few names shine as brightly as Babar Azam's. As we step into the year 2023, the Asia Cup has become the epicentre of cricketing excitement, and Babar Azam, the gifted Pakistani batsman, is making headlines once again. With a jaw-dropping 150-run masterpiece against Nepal in the tournament opener, Babar's performance has rekindled a burning debate Is he, without a shadow of a doubt, the best ODI batter on the planet right now? Intriguingly, Babar Azam not only carries the weight of expectations as a prolific run-scorer but also shoulders the responsibility of captaincy, a recently assumed role. As we delve into the realms of statistics, achievements, and the broader context of his influence on the game, we aim to determine whether Babar Azam's claim to the throne of the best ODI batter in 2023 is grounded in fact or remains a subject of impassioned cricketing discourse.
BABAR'S OVERALL ODI STATS
Let's examine Babar Azam's overall statistics in One Day Internationals (ODIs) to commence our evaluation. These numbers are the foundation for assessing his prowess as an ODI batter.
• Matches Played: 104
• Total Runs Scored: 5353
• Batting Average: 59.47
• Centuries: 18
• Half-Centuries: 28
Babar Azam's career statistics are nothing short of astounding. With an average bordering on 60, he's demonstrated incredible consistency, a hallmark of a great ODI batsman. The fact that he has already amassed 18 centuries highlights his ability to convert starts into big scores, while the 28 half-centuries signify his knack for providing stability to the Pakistani innings.
DOMINANCE IN OVERSEAS CONDITIONS
This story is from the September 02, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.
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This story is from the September 02, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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