Srinagar, April 2: Australia star batsman Marnus Labuschagne has praised Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s match winning knock in second ODI in Lahore.
Babar Azam went to score 73 ball 100 to lead Pakistan to a sucessfull run chase.
I enjoyed every minute of watching – it was a pity it was against us,” Labuschagne told reporters in Lahore. “That was a very good innings. I sat back and I took some things on board for my own game to learn from that innings,” Labuschagne said.
Babar orchestrated Pakistan’s record chase of 349 with 114 of 83 balls, denying Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Babar was well supported by fellow centurion Imam-ul-Haq, who scored his 15th ODI century in 83 innings, which is the fastest by any batsman.
“To score 100 off 73 balls, he barely put a foot wrong. It was just phenomenal.”
Labuschagne felt dismissing Babar early in Saturday’s decider, also in Lahore, was crucial to clinch the series.
“I think if we can find a way to get him out early, put a bit more pressure on the middle to lower order, we have a chance,” the 27-year-old said.
Pakistan and Australia will square off on today for the series-decider in Lahore.
