Pakistan had little cause for celebration during the New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Their Australian counterparts delivered disciplined spells that led to the visitors collapsing at 47/4 in the final match of the three-game series.
The meager total was primarily due to Babar Azam’s counterattacking batting display. The former skipper, aged 29, managed a 40-ball 26, including four splendid boundaries.
Babar showcased his prowess mainly through flawlessly executed cover drives, with the exception of a pull off the backfoot, all of which were a treat for the eyes.
In the sixth over, facing an in-form Josh Hazlewood, Babar capitalized on the right-arm quick’s unusual deviation from his usual line and length, elegantly dispatching a wide half-volley for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc faced a similar fate in the subsequent over as two of his deliveries met with the same treatment, showcasing Babar’s composure with a dropped knee and a precise bat swing.
Feast your eyes on some gorgeous Babar Azam cover drives 😍 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/ItHGKsS4J5
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 3, 2024
Babar’s innings was short-lived as he succumbed to a vicious inswinger from Pat Cummins. However, his brief stay at the crease was enough to dominate the day’s highlight packages.