ISLAMABAD: A win against New Zealand in Lahore today, Monday, will make Pakistan captain Babar Azam the most successful T20I skipper in international cricket with 43 wins under his belt from 69 matches.
Azam, who led his side to a 38-run victory in Lahore on Saturday night, equaled world the record for most T20I wins as captain with 42 wins. As far as the most number of victories as T20I skipper is concerned, Azam is at par with England cricketer Eoin Morgan and former Afghanistan captain Asghar Afghan, both of whom have led their teams to 42 T20I wins.
The Pakistani captain starred in the green shirts’ last victory over New Zealand, scoring a blistering century off 58 balls. Pakistan are 2-0 up against New Zealand in the five-match series.
New Zealand will try to salvage the series on Monday with a win over Pakistan. The Black Caps, who will be eyeing a victory to keep the series’ hopes alive tonight, have fared poorly so far against Pakistan’s fiery pace attack that comprises the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and the talented youngster Zaman Khan.
While Azam and Saim Ayub have done a commendable job with the bat this series, Rauf has dominated with the ball. The fiery Pakistan pacer, who clocks in over 145 mph regularly, has taken eight wickets from the two T20Is played in the series so far.
The match begins at 9:00 p.m. Pakistan Standard Time.
