Babar Azam, Pakistan’s all-round skipper and top hitter, won the ICC Men’s Player of the Month title for the third time today (Tuesday), this time for August 2023.
Babar Azam, who now holds the top rank in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, continues to surprise with his remarkable form last month and has been named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2023.
Babar defeated colleague Shadab Khan and West Indies hard-hitter Nicholas Pooran to win the accolade for the third time, and the Pakistan skipper was overjoyed.
“I am delighted to be named ICC Player of the Month for August 2023,” Babar stated. “The last month has been incredible for my team and I, as we have put in some fantastic performances.” With the Asia Cup returning to Pakistan after such a long absence, it was an honour to play in front of the raucous and cricket-crazed crowds of Multan and Lahore. The fact that I struck my second ODI century in front of my home crowd in Multan added to my excitement.
“I’m looking forward to capitalising on my form as we enter an exciting period of cricket, with the Asia Cup coming to an end and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup just around the corner.” My team and I am delighted to offer joy and happiness to Pakistan’s millions of followers.”
The Pakistan legend enjoyed an outstanding month in the Asian subcontinent, dominating in the 50-over format.
Babar suffered a rare setback in the first ODI against Afghanistan in a bilateral series in Sri Lanka, failing to register any runs.
He swiftly recovered, showcasing his determination with two consecutive fifties. The climax came in the second ODI, when the Pakistan skipper and Imam-ul-Haq put on a crucial 118-run partnership, setting up an enthralling last-over battle.
In the run-chase, Babar provided 53 runs, which were strongly supported by Imam’s 91 runs and the lower-order hitters. Pakistan won the match with a single ball and a wicket remaining.
He followed it up with another critical 60, helping his team to a respectable total of 268/8 in the last ODI. Pakistan’s bowlers shined, securing an easy 59-run victory to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
This was his 31st century for Pakistan across all formats, putting him on pace with luminaries Javed Miandad and Saeed Anwar. In terms of Pakist centuries, he now trails only Younis Khan (41), Mohammad Yousuf (39), and Inzamam-ul-Haq (35).
