Pakistan vs Australia, 2nd ODI: Proud moment, says Babar Azam after breaking 10-game winless streak against Australia
India Today
Pakistan completed their highest successful run chase in one-day internationals and defeated Australia by six wickets in second ODI, breaking the 10-match losing streak against them. Pakistan skipper Babar Azam said that it was a very proud moment for him and his team and appreciated the efforts of the players.
Pakistan chased down a mammoth target of 349 to beat Australia by six wickets in Lahore and completed their highest successful run chase in one-day internationals in the 2nd ODI of a 3-match series. Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam scored their inspiring centuries and this emphatic win broke Pakistan's 10-match losing streak against Australia.
Pakistan skipper Babar made a blistering 114 off 83 balls and Imam scored 106 as Pakistan marched to 349-4 to level the series at 1-1 on Thursday, dominating an inexperienced Australian bowling attack.
Babar, who was adjudged the player of the match, said, "The plan was to bat positively and bat in partnerships. When there are wickets in hand, it becomes easy towards the end and there won't be any pressure of the required rate. We gave 20 runs too many and hopefully we will do better in the next game."
"This is my hometown and it is a proud moment for me and the team. The overall effort from the team is very pleasing. Last time we couldn't chase it down and today it was a complete team effort," he added.
Earlier, when sent to bat, Ben McDermott scored his maiden century, forming the cornerstone of Australia's strong total. Australia posted a massive total of 348 for 8 against Pakistan.
Emphasising that the win was important for the team to boost, Imam-ul-Haq said, "We have that belief that we can win matches, and when you play so much cricket together you know each other's weaknesses and strengths and that helps. Really needed the win for the team to boost up. They are a good batting and fielding side, and we really wanted to come on the right side of the result today."
He also added that there is always a margin of improvement for every batsman and welcomed the criticism of the strike-rate.
