Babar Azam Clinches Third ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award

DUBAI: Pakistan’s cricket sensation, Babar Azam, has once again captured the coveted International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Player of the Month award for his exceptional performance throughout August 2023.

Babar Azam’s stellar performance in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings made him the undeniable choice for this prestigious accolade. He outshone his teammate Shadab Khan and West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran in a fiercely competitive race.

Upon receiving the prestigious award, a jubilant Babar Azam shared his thoughts, stating, “The past month has been extraordinary for my team as we have put on some terrific performances. With the Asia Cup returning to Pakistan after such a long time, it was a fantastic experience to play in front of passionate cricket-loving crowds in Multan and Lahore. My second ODI score of 150-plus in Multan added to the joy.”

Looking ahead, the cricket maestro expressed his eagerness to maintain his exceptional form in the upcoming cricket events, saying, “I am looking forward to making the most of my form as we head into an exciting phase of cricket with the Asia Cup’s backend nearing and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup just around the corner. My team and I are eager to bring joy and happiness to the millions of Pakistan fans.”

Babar Azam’s cricket prowess shone brightly, particularly in the Asian subcontinent, where he delivered outstanding performances in the 50-over format.

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While he faced a rare setback in the first ODI against Afghanistan during a series in Sri Lanka, Babar quickly rebounded, showcasing his resolve with two consecutive fifties. The highlight was the second ODI, where he and Imam-ul-Haq formed a crucial 118-run partnership, setting the stage for an exhilarating last-over showdown.

Babar contributed 53 runs in the chase, well-supported by Imam’s impressive 91 runs and the lower-order batsmen. Pakistan clinched a thrilling victory with just one ball and one wicket remaining.

Continuing his exceptional form, Babar Azam added another crucial 60 runs in the final ODI, enabling his team to post a commendable total of 268/8. Pakistan’s bowlers also delivered brilliantly, securing a comfortable 59-run victory and sealing a 3-0 series sweep.

Babar Azam’s remarkable run continued beyond the series. In the opening match of the Asia Cup against Nepal, he delivered an extraordinary performance, amassing 151 runs from 131 balls.

In this match, Babar Azam etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the fastest player ever to reach 19 centuries in One Day International (ODI) cricket, a feat that further solidifies his status as one of the game’s modern legends.