Pakistan skipper Babar Azam was on Tuesday announced as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month, winning the award for the month of August 2023.
Notably, it is for the third time when Babar won the award, announced every month by the ICC.
Babar, who holds the top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings, was impressive with the bat and delivered some exceptional performance in August.
“I am delighted to be named ICC Player of the Month for August 2023,” Babar was quoted as saying by the ICC.
“The past month has been extraordinary for my team as we have put some terrific performances. With the Asia Cup coming to Pakistan after such a long time, it was great to play in front of the passionate and cricket-loving crowds of Multan and Lahore,” he said adding that his second ODI score of 150-plus in Multan doubled the joy,” he added.
The Pakistan skipper further expressed: “I am looking forward to making the most of the form as we head into an exciting phase of cricket with the backend of the Asia Cup nearing and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup around the corner. My team and I are eager to bring joy and happiness to the millions of Pakistan fans.”
In the first ODI against Afghanistan in a bilateral series in Sri Lanka last month, Babar failed to score any runs before quickly making a comeback. Babar smashed two consecutive fifties in the next two games.
Notably in the second ODI, Babar forged a crucial 118-run partnership with Imam-Ul-Haq, setting the stage for an exciting last-over showdown.
In the run-chase, Babar contributed with 53 runs and received good support from Imam, who played a 91- run knock, and the lower-order Pakistan batters. The Green Brigade clinched a nail-biting victory with a single ball and a wicket to spare.
Babar then followed it up with yet another crucial 60, helping his side in reaching a respectable total of 268/8 in the third and final ODI. Pakistan’s bowlers then came all gun blazing as they secured a comfortable 59-run victory to achieve a clean sweep with a 3-0 series win.
Babar’s exceptional form continued in the ongoing Asia Cup as in the tournament opener against Nepal, he delivered a stunning performance, smashing 151 runs off 131 balls.
During this fantastic knock, Babar also achieved a historic milestone as he became the fastest player in the game’s history to reach 19 ODI centuries.