Babar’s resurgence spurs Pakistan as hosts eye whitewash

RAWALPINDI: As Pakistan eye a whitewash against Sri Lanka in Sunday’s final ODI at the Rawalpindi Stadium, star batter Babar Azam has vowed to “let the bat do the talking,” insisting he holds no grudge against critics who targeted him during his lean patch.

Confident and composed, the former captain appeared ready to answer every question the only way he knows best, with runs.

Babar said he had kept working hard all these months, never reacting to the criticism, and was totally focused on regaining his form. “I will never react to the criticism but will let my bat speak for itself. I am really delighted to see that I finally reached a triple-figure mark and achieved my 20th century for which I have been working hard all these months.”

Babar enthralled the Rawalpindi crowd with some exciting master strokes to achieve his 20th ODI hundred in record time for Pakistan.

Pakistan’s star batsman said that the unflinching support of fans remains his biggest source of motivation, especially during challenging phases of his career. Speaking to the media after guiding Pakistan to victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday, Babar said the encouragement he receives from supporters boosts his confidence immensely.

“The amount of support the fans have given me is what gives me confidence,” Babar remarked. Records keep coming, but what truly matters is the team winning. That remains my focus.”

Reflecting on his innings, the former national captain said he had started the series well but was unable to carry his form forward in the previous matches. “Today, I went out with the intention to play my best alongside Fakhar Zaman. I managed to bring myself back into the game according to the situation,” he said. Babar added that scoring a century always serves as strong motivation and that Friday’s hundred was no different.

He revealed that the performance was the result of sustained hard work over a long period. “In tough times, many thoughts run through your mind, but it is important to stay courageous. I paid particular attention to improving my fitness during these phases. When you work hard on your plan every day and remain consistent, the results eventually come.”

Babar also emphasized the importance of self-belief in overcoming setbacks. He credited his close coaching circle, Shahid Aslam, Mansoor Rana, as well as his family and childhood friends, for their guidance and support through difficult periods.

Responding to criticism about his recent form, Babar said he chose not to dwell on outside noise. “I ignored the criticism and focused on improving myself. The players stood by me, and the fans never left my side; their support proved to be a major booster.”

Meanwhile, Shaheen Afridi, who was unwell and skipped the second ODI, is likely to lead the team on Sunday in front of the holiday crowd. Pakistan could well be making a couple of changes in the team for the third ODI, which will not have any bearing on the outcome of the series. The bench strength may well be tested ahead of the tri-series starting in a couple of days’ time.

Toss yet again will hold the importance under increasingly chilly conditions, with the dew factor again expected to play an important role in the outcome of the third one-dayer.