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Twitter has a field day with memes as it crowns Babar Azam world's #1 ODI batsman

Twitter has a field day with memes as it crowns Babar Azam world's #1 ODI batsman

Azam, who is currently at 852 points, five behind Kohli, is expected to gain six points for the series against South Africa.
Updated 08 Apr, 2021

Pakistan cricket's blue-eyed boy Babar Azam is expected to overtake Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the top rated ODI batsman in the world during the Pakistan versus South Africa match on Wednesday. While the ICC has yet to announce the rankings, the country has already started celebrations.

He scored 94 runs off 82 balls and led his team to a 28-run victory. Azam's performance won him the man of the match award for the third ODI, as Pakistan settled the series with a 2-1 victory.

Azam, who is currently at 852 points, five behind Kohli, is expected to gain six points for the series against South Africa — with his ton in the first game, and 94 in the third — taking him above the Indian superstar cricketer when the ICC ODI batsmen rankings are next updated. Currently, Kohli stands atop of the un-updated rankings.

The captain took to social media to express his delight at the series win, dedicating his victory to Pakistan, and noted just how superbly teammate Fakhar Zaman played throughout the series.

Twitter, of course, felt there was no better way to celebrate than memes!

It's true, the man's a king.

One user spotted the ushering of a new era in world cricket, terming it the 'Mughal-e-Azam' era.

This user had all heroes bow down to the hero of the hour.

Probably the best cover-driver in world cricket right now, we agree.

Here's something to contextualise Azam's journey as a cricketer.

And here's a montage for the hero from across the border.

ESPN Cricinfo shared some on field humour as they found it difficult to differentiate between the two sides' green jerseys.

With all that we've accomplished from this ODI series as a national team, it is time to look forward and not forget that there's a T20 series right around the corner!

Comments

Surya Kant Agrawal Apr 08, 2021 01:07pm
Congratulations Babar
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Saima Apr 08, 2021 01:41pm
Comparing opening batsman to guy that comes at number four is foolish. Opener has freedom to build innings, no 4 guy doesnt, as four wickets are lost he has to play restrictively and save wickets.
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Irfan Apr 08, 2021 01:46pm
Scored against C team of South Africa, Zimbabwe and other weak teams on homeground. The other meanwhile plays all top teams of world and scores in their country. Big difference.
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Adil Apr 08, 2021 01:51pm
One bats at no 1 and other bats at no 4. No comparison. Their roles for scoring runs are different. Its great to see no 4 score and get no 1 ranking, despite 4 wickets lost, winning match pressure unlike carefree opener.
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Fawaz Apr 08, 2021 02:07pm
Rohit sharma is about to overtake Babar Azam yet neither Rohit cares nor India about this childish twitter quests nor celebrates. We need to find better goals.
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Mahwish Apr 08, 2021 02:16pm
Counting chickens before they hatch. He is still 2nd in ranking. Kolhi plays another match and he moves further ahead. Kolhi plays against world class team and players, while we against c teams with top players missing.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Apr 08, 2021 02:35pm
Well played greenshirts. Keep it up and hang on tough.
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SRK Apr 08, 2021 02:44pm
Kohli has scored 3 times the number of runs and have played against teams in much tougher conditions. Babar Azam is fantastic but don't create hype too early. Still long way to go. He will need many years of consistent performance to reach where Kohli is today. But test matches wil be much tougher than ODIs
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Pete Apr 08, 2021 03:06pm
@Fawaz Rohit sharma is way behind! You keep on wishing..
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Zaheer Ahmad Apr 08, 2021 03:17pm
@Mahwish really enjoying the burn
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SRK Apr 08, 2021 03:17pm
ODI rankings are irrelevant. Even Babar has spoken only about his team winning which ultimately matters
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Zaheer Ahmad Apr 08, 2021 03:18pm
@Fawaz only you and another Indian comment on this article’ so far, imagine how much you care
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Bilal Apr 08, 2021 03:19pm
@Fawaz Yes we know. Indians get into a collective silly Twitter meltdown only against celebs and teen age climate activists. Cricket is a grown up game.
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O’mar Apr 08, 2021 03:33pm
He is a gentleman and is by far the number 1 irrespective of the rankings. Such players give respect to the game.
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Omar Apr 08, 2021 03:38pm
@Fawaz then why are you commenting lol
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Omar Apr 08, 2021 03:46pm
@Mahwish he will be nr. 1 while Kohli still have to play and make a good score to take that position from him. Nothing against Kohli as he is a great player but you cannot take that away from Babar. His century came against full bowling side of S.A and it was not his choice to allow S.A players to choose and play for a domestic league then playing for their own country (which is pathetic to start with and those players should be ashamed to give priority to money rather than playing for their own country which gave them the identity). It also remind me that the same Kohli and co. won against Aus when they were depleted (with no Smith and Warner) so should we discard those wins? You go and play against the team the opposition wants you to play. P.S. Next time your your real name, we know where you are from but you should not be ashamed for disclosing your real identity (we don't use the slang language our neighbors usually use).
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kashif Apr 08, 2021 03:54pm
@Mahwish yes at his own courtyard like Tendulkar...
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Usama Apr 08, 2021 04:23pm
I think Indians here have started writing comments under Muslim names to give impression that they are Pakistanis. Jealous people!
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Amer Apr 08, 2021 04:44pm
@Irfan sorry bro talk to icc about that i know he scored centuries in nz and aus tours aswell
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Ch Ali Shan Apr 08, 2021 04:44pm
@Omar please write true spelling it's kholi not kohli
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Mahwish Apr 08, 2021 04:46pm
@Omar anyone who speaks for betterment of the country is labeled christian-hindu-jew conspiracy, american or Indian. Grow up.
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sameer Apr 08, 2021 04:51pm
@Mahwish , lol hate to say Babar has achieved a mile stone for the first time and deserves all the praise, C teams like England, Australia, New Zealand South Africa he has proved himself with his performances, the only team he not able to showcase his class against is India cause there isn't any cricket between them, looks like you're not a cricketing person a research on him would have changed your opinion but that's only mah'wish ,
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Maria Apr 08, 2021 04:53pm
@Bilal “ Indians get into a collective silly Twitter meltdown only against celebs and teen age climate activists” Atleast they are not shot for their opinion. World knows what happened to child activist Malala and celeb Qandal baloch.
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sameer Apr 08, 2021 04:54pm
@Fawaz So, If the Indian celebs and cricketers show their praise that's the only thing that matters correct me if I am wrong. Guy is gold our blued eyed boy , Respect
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Karim Apr 08, 2021 05:12pm
@Omar Steve Warner are batsmen not bowler to affect Kolhi’s performance. Australia is top team and South Africa ranks No 5. World cup is coming. Its time we play top teams instead of low ranking Srilanka, Bangladesh, zimbabwe, South Africa minus top bowler and batsmen.
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Wafi Hamirani Apr 08, 2021 05:29pm
@Irfan hahahaha, scored a century in the first odi of the series, scored a century against new- zealand in world cup, scored a century in australia in test series, averaged 50+ against australia in the t20i series, scored against england in the previous test and t20i series against them, scored 63 vs england in world cup, scored 80 vs eng in may 2019, i mean if you wanna hate, comment directly instead of giving useless opinions
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Steve from the US Apr 08, 2021 05:30pm
haha, the way Pakistan is celebrating it feels like they have won World Cup. No doubt Babar is good but others are better and play against Stronger opponents and not with C grade teams.
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Emmad Apr 08, 2021 05:32pm
@Pete Rohit takes 27 runs next match and dethrones 2nd ranked Azam. And here we are breaking into song and dance as if we discovered vaccination for covid. Embarrassing. All teams are focusing on world cup and here we are stuck in quagmire of pak ind rivalry obsession.
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Waqas Apr 08, 2021 05:54pm
@Irfan jealousy fectorssss. Babar Azam is a real class .you can't thank no positive
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Bilal Apr 08, 2021 05:56pm
Congrats Babar. Try to score in next match or the title will be very short lived. Rohit sharma scores 27 runs or Virat Kolhi score runs next match, Babar runs risk of being pushed to third spot in ODI ranking from 2nd.
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Sanam Apr 08, 2021 06:05pm
@O’mar “He is a gentleman and is by far the number 1 irrespective of the rankings. Such players give respect to the game.” He is good player but not gentleman. Gentlemen dont have court case of blackmail and sexual harassing woman against them like him.
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Fastrack Apr 08, 2021 06:07pm
Indians are on the frying pan. And to hide that, they try hiding behind Muslim names.
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Hassan Ilyas Apr 08, 2021 06:22pm
@Irfan ro beta to ranking check kerrr hahaha
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Saba Apr 08, 2021 06:29pm
@Fastrack Dont need enemies when we have citizens like you. Great patriot like Raza Rumi, Malala too are called Indians and indian agents for speaking truth. Grow up dude.
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Thunderbird Apr 08, 2021 06:29pm
@Irfan SA is home ground ? Why India keeps loosing in SA ?
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Pakistani in New Zealand Apr 08, 2021 06:31pm
Names like Fawaz and Mahwish? Indians why do you make fake names to show you are Muslims. At least, use the correct spelling please. Ranking is always changing. Both Babar and Kohli are great players, but in future, someone else might take the no. 1 spot.
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Thunderbird Apr 08, 2021 06:33pm
@Adil Tell the ranking committe to give extra 100 points to kohli as charity to keep him relevant.
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Jamal Apr 08, 2021 06:34pm
Indians are jealous in the comments
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Kashif Apr 08, 2021 06:38pm
@Steve from the US Haha change your name I am sure you could even die for a US visa...
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Sid Apr 08, 2021 06:39pm
@Irfan check the facts again. And for once just try and support our national heroes
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Thunderbird Apr 08, 2021 06:47pm
@Adil everyone also know that openers batting is most difficult with new ball, fresh bowlers and new pitch . You think you are the only knowledgeable on the planet ? and your fake opinion is more valuable than ICC ranking team ? maybe they will create special fake rankings for your favorite.
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Thunderbird Apr 08, 2021 06:51pm
@SRK if odi rankings are irrelevant why are you crying ?
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Yankee Cricket Fan Apr 08, 2021 06:54pm
@Saima Dear Saima, No.4 batsman comes in when 2 wickets have fallen, not 4.
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N_Saq Apr 08, 2021 06:55pm
All I know is Baber can score more than 36 runs by himself, while some countries whole team in the neighborhood can’t even score more than 36 runs.
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Thunderbird Apr 08, 2021 06:56pm
@sameer looks like you are the only cricketing person on the planet . News flash NOPE . Icc rankings count while your are biased doodles of no value.
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Adnan Apr 08, 2021 07:12pm
@Pakistani in New Zealand They are correct spellings. We are turning to be our own worst enemy. Every person who differ from PTI supporters opinions are either jews or Indians and scorned enemies. Grow up. We lost half the country because of this same attitude.
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Afaq Khan Apr 08, 2021 07:26pm
@Irfan yeah ICC shouldn't announce rankings without your permission
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Javed Apr 08, 2021 07:37pm
@Thunderbird Fakes and insecure people call others opinion fake. Learn to tolerate others opinion. Patriotism is good, jingoism is not. What next, call Pakistani legend cricketers as fakes/ Indians for calling this South Africa a c team? Rest nations plays their A team and win and loose. Thats the difference.
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Haris Apr 08, 2021 08:00pm
@SRK "ODI rankings are irrelevant. ..." If it's too irrelevant then, why are you keep commenting here?
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NYS Apr 08, 2021 08:00pm
He deserves this recognition
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Farah Apr 08, 2021 08:36pm
Congrats Babar wish you more success. Hilarious to see PTI fanatic supporters having meltdown and abuse other citizens as Indians. Shows we are yet to reach tolerance level for diverse Pakistani opinion as a nation.
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Babar Apr 08, 2021 08:46pm
@Irfan beta jab team maidan mein aa jaye to woh c d e f nahi hoti bas apnay country ki national team hoti hai...iss tarha to kohli aur rohit sharma nay bhi bangladesh Afghanistan aur sri Lanka ko centuries per centuries maari hain...sachin ki zyada tar 100 choti teams k khilaf hain...Chris Gayle nay 2015 Zimbabwe ko maara tha aur rohit nay srilanka k khilaf 264 maara tha...aur fakhar nay to south Africa ko 193 maara hai..think before writing a comment...
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Malik Apr 08, 2021 08:59pm
Kohli played all matches in India. Kohli shouldn’t even be given top rank.
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sameer Apr 08, 2021 09:16pm
@Steve from the US ,lol why don't you watch sports in your own country, or is it really satya from karnatika hahaha
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Farooqui Apr 08, 2021 09:30pm
@Irfan sour loser. As if the other hasn't played against Zimbabwe. BTW the replacements were only in the last match the first two were against the full side. Next time make sense in your comments.
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Masood Khan Apr 08, 2021 09:39pm
These rug-rats are calling and excusing for his playing position. On the contrary an opener is the TOUGHEST rank in cricket. Coming at #4 is a piece of cake. You have studied the bowlers of the previous 3 batsmen, #4 adjusts and knows all the pitfalls. I have better ratings for Shekhar Dhawan than Kohli.
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Anas Apr 08, 2021 09:46pm
@Saima both come one-down
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From BD with Love Apr 08, 2021 10:01pm
@Saima Then you acknowledge that Lara/Ponting were greater than Sachin, since the duo was a middle order batsmen?
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Nice Apr 08, 2021 10:03pm
@Saima Both of them bat at no 3 in ODI (Mostly) and No.4 is when 2 wkts fall down not 4
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Moiz Ul Hassan Apr 08, 2021 10:35pm
@Saima babar is not an opener and based on how pakistan's top order has no way of being subtle if they'd work or not so it's basically an overall rating because babar plays till the deep end of innings when they are 7 or 8 down as well.. Just like Virat.. So it's fair and square
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Sara Apr 09, 2021 12:06am
@Moiz Ul Hassan Babar is good player but he needs to play against top world class players and team to prove his merit, unfortunately all top south african players chose money over nation, and in IPl leaving behind easily beatable minnow c team.
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Umer Ahmed Apr 09, 2021 12:08am
@Saima Do you even know that Babar comes at no 3 not as an opener.
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IDK Apr 09, 2021 12:10am
@Adil yet, it's the opener that has to negotiate the new ball, one of the tougher jobs in test cricket, no?
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Umer Ahmed Apr 09, 2021 12:11am
@Irfan Cricket was banned in Pakistan until 2018 so he didn't got the chance to play at home. While the other played a lot at his home and still has not scored a century since 2019 in any format.Truly big difference
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Umer Ahmed Apr 09, 2021 12:15am
Babar is a man who truly deserves all this. He plays in Pakistan
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Meera Apr 09, 2021 12:23am
@From BD with Love “Then you acknowledge that Lara/Ponting were greater than Sachin” Lara and Ponting said Sachin is best batsmen in the world, after Sir Bradman. Sachin’s overseas track record centuries/double centuries against world class top team and top bowlers from 90s to 2013 in all format test, ODI, T20 in UK, SA, Australia, carribean makes him the best. Sir Bradman publicly once said he sees himself in Sachin. That should end the discussion over it.
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Syed Ahmed Apr 09, 2021 01:42am
Many congratulations young man
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Ghaznavi Apr 09, 2021 04:21am
I think there’s more to come from babar much much more inshallah
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Secularist Apr 09, 2021 04:42am
Thew guy worked hard, performed well, and has earned his place at the top. That puts him above all the arm chair cricketers commenting enthuse columns. Congratulations, BABAR. No one would be more aware of the fleeting nature of these ranked positions. Awards and accolades, come and go. But, the delight they bring to well-informed fans is priceless.
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Vengeance Apr 09, 2021 04:44am
@Saima Number 4 comes in when two wickets are down, not 4 - goes to show your cricketing knowledge. And in that Miandad was better than the likes of Sehwag and maybe even Sachin because he opened or went in at number 3 while Miranda’s had the blessing coming in after the 2 walking wickets above him got out. Just appreciate Babar’s achievements for what they are.
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Bilal Apr 09, 2021 05:22am
@Saima no. 4 comes in when 2 wickets fall, not 4... Babar is no. 3 and Kohli is no. 4... Root, Kohli, Smith, Williamson and Babar are always compared, its nothing new...one being no. 1 doesn't diminish the achievements of others...
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Bilal Apr 09, 2021 05:26am
@Irfan don't just say stuff without actually looking up stats...New Zealand and India are the only countries he hasn't scored a century in... India because we never had a series in India since he has been playing... Don't be ignorant
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Bilal Apr 09, 2021 05:27am
It's all in good fun. Humility is tested at the top.
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AJ Apr 09, 2021 06:31am
Is he not wanted by the FIA in a criminal case....he should be in jail, not playing cricket.
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Naushad Shafkat Apr 09, 2021 09:08am
@Saima Ma'am 2 wickets are down when No. 4 batsman comes in not 4.
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From Mars with love Apr 09, 2021 09:20am
@From BD with Love @From BD with Love “Lara/Ponting were greater than Sachin”. Ponting’s Quote “ Sachin is the most complete batsman i have ever seen” Lara’s Quote “ Sachin is the best player without doubt in my era”. “ Sachin is a genius in cricket, i am mere mortal”. “I want my son to bat like Tendulkar.” The batsmen you mentioned consider Sachin above them.
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Asif Apr 09, 2021 09:28am
Congrats Babar. May you grow and reach more heights. Irrational PTI supporters need to calm their hyper nationalism, Babar is good but its embarrassing to compare him to Sachin or Kolhi. Give the youngster a break he is just starting. He will age like perfect wine and reach heights. Dont put unnecessary expectations and pressure on him by comparing him to greats.
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Thunderbird Apr 09, 2021 10:48am
@Javed We only consider international ranking committee rankings not self appointed fake experts with hatred agenda against neighboring countries. A,B or C teams is not Pak choice , it's the figment of fertile indian imagination. Go and prove on the ground instead of passing fake , biased judgements .
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JeffAliHernandez Apr 09, 2021 03:22pm
Congratulations Sir, if there is one batsman in world cricket, I can watch bat all day long, it is Babar Adam. For me you are simply the best.
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Pakistani in New Zealand Apr 09, 2021 04:33pm
@Adnan . Well you could too be an Indian disguised as a Pakistani. I smell a rat here too.
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Sadaqat Hussain Apr 12, 2021 03:03am
@Omar Excellent explaination
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Sadaqat Hussain Apr 12, 2021 03:10am
Baber is still young and will get better in time aswell, while other players have more experience, he is a great player improving all the time, all the critics who probably don't play cricket, scoring any runs is not easy and even being consistent, so the commen sense prevails. Stop being silly and give credit where due. You're only mocking yourself. Interns of playing with other teams it's not the players fault that we lost cricket in Pakistan at home, also cricket between nations, Pakistan Vs India and so on, Why people talk untrue situations, is beyond me. But a general understanding is simple.
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Jamal Apr 14, 2021 02:21pm
@Saima - coming at number 4, you don't have to face new ball from both ends. So, Babar is better than Kohli.
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