Babar Azam dominates in first Australia-Pakistan T20I

SYDNEY: Top-order batsman Babar Azam dominated in the first T20I between Australia and Pakistan and sat multiple records.

The host team played against Pakistan on Sunday where Azam remained not-out and scored 59 runs on 38 balls. His inning included five fours and two sixes which was the highest as a debut captain from national team.

Also Read: Pakistan, Australia first T20 called off due to rain

Azam broke the record of veteran all-rounder Shahid Afridi. Afridi scored 50 runs on 37 balls when he debuted as a captain in 2009. The match was played against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The young captain also broke the record of all rounder, Mohammad Hafeez of scoring 50s in T20 matches. Hafeez has 10 fifty plus runs in total 86 T20I matches whereas Azam has around 11 fifties under his belt in just 34 matches.

The 25-year-old cricketer has also become the only national batsman who scored 1500-plus runs in T20 international matches in a calendar year.

Also Read: Pakistan can defeat Australia with aggression: Wahab Riaz

Earlier on Sunday, the first T20I match between Pakistan and Australia was called off due to rain. Australia looked on course to chase down a small target.

Pakistan was 88 for three wickets in the 13th over when rain interrupted play.

The match was subsequently reduced to 15-overs-a-side when the players returned and skipper Babar Azam made 59 not out to help Pakistan to a below-par 107-5.

Also Read: Pakistan beats Australia by six wickets in practice match

Chasing a revised 119 in 15 overs, Aaron Finch gave Australia a flying start with 37 runs from 16 balls as the hosts cruised to 41 for no loss in 3.1 overs.