Babar Azam wants to top rankings in Test cricket as well

Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has his eyes set on topping to the batting rankings in Test cricket having recently been crowned the number one in ODIs.

Babar has also previously held the top spot on the T20I rankings and remains in the top ten in the game’s shortest international format.

Making history

The 26-year-old from Lahore followed in the footsteps of Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad and Mohammad Yousuf on Wednesday as he became the fourth player from Pakistan to sit atop the ODI batting rankings earlier this week. 

Babar believes the number one ranking is just the beginning and recognised that he has a lot of work ahead of him to live up to his undoubted potential.

“This is another milestone in my career, which will now require even more hard work and absolute consistency with the bat in order for me to hold on to the ranking for an extended period of time,” Babar said.

 Currently sixth on the Test batting rankings, Babar hopes to go on the charge in the five-day realm as well and set new standards.

“I feel privileged and honoured to have joined the company of stalwarts like Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad and Mohammad Yousuf, who will always be the shining stars of Pakistan cricket,” he said.

“I have also previously topped the T20I rankings, but the ultimate ambition and goal is to lead the Test rankings, which are the real testament and reward to a batsman’s calibre, reputation and skills.”

Babar wants to top rankings in Test cricket 

The Pakistan captain celebrated his move to the top of the ODI batting rankings in style on Wednesday, scoring a thrilling 59-ball 122 as Pakistan completed a 204-run chase to win the third T20I against South Africa.

Speaking after the match, he confirmed becoming the No.1 ODI batsman had been a lifelong dream.

“It had always been my dream to be number one and that has been fulfilled,” he said.

“There was lots of hard work, suffering, and sacrifice needed to get there. I have always been trying to improve my game with each passing day, learning new things and applying them. We all know cricket evolves and you have to keep up with it or risk getting left behind.”

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