BIRMINGHAM (AFP) – Pakistan batsman Babar Azam became the second-fastest to reach 3,000 one-day international runs during the World Cup match against New Zealand in Birmingham.
The 24-year-old reached the milestone in his 68th innings during Pakistan's chase of a 238-run target. Babar took 11 innings more than South Africa's Hashim Amla, who reached the milestone in 57 innings, but overtook West Indies great Viv Richards (69 innings).
Pakistan were 110 for three at the halfway point of 25 overs at Edgbaston, needing another 128 runs for victory. Babar and Mohammad Hafeez (32) added 66 for the third wicket after Pakistan lost openers Fakhar Zaman (nine) and Imam-ul-Haq (19).
Hafeez was caught by Lockie Ferguson in the deep off the bowling of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for 32 to leave Pakistan 110-3. Babar went on to reach his 50 off 65 balls with five fours.
Fastest Asian batsman
Babar Azam also took the title as fastest Pakistani and Asian batsman to reach the milestone of 3,000 runs in one-day Cricket. He reached this milestone during his innings against New Zealand when he edged Santner for a single to take his 29th run of the innings.
Babar reached the milestone of 3,000 runs in 68 innings to become the fastest Pakistani to do so surpassing Inzamam ul Haq by a margin of 19 innings.
The only player in the world to reach 3,000 runs in fewer innings than Babar is South Africa’s Hashim Amla who reached the milestone in 57 innings. Babar had earlier completed 2000 ODI runs in 45 innings – also the joint second fastest to that milestone.
Babar averages above 51 in ODI cricket for Pakistan and before the World Cup match against New Zealand, he had scored 9 centuries and 14 fifties in 67 innings.
