Babar Azam credits hard work, self-belief for success

Pakistan opener Babar Azam attributed his success to hard work and unwavering self-belief, saying his efforts have finally paid off.

Speaking after Pakistan’s win at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Azam said: “Despite the challenges, I continued to work hard and kept my confidence. Allah has rewarded me for my efforts.” He appreciated the fans for their support, saying it “gave me motivation and confidence in difficult times.”

Azam admitted that he had struggled to convert good starts into big scores in the past but was pleased to have played important innings in line with the team’s target. “Scoring a century after a long time has boosted my confidence a lot,” he said, while also thanking coaches Shahid Aslam and Mansoor Rana for their guidance.

Babar Azam hit his first international century since August 2023 to power Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second day-night international on Friday.

Azam scored an unbeaten 102 for his 20th one-day international century to help Pakistan chase down Sri Lanka’s target of 289 runs at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

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The win gave Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final match on Sunday. Pakistan won the first match by six runs – all in Rawalpindi.

Arriving at the crease to a huge roar from the crowd after opener Saim Ayub fell for 33 in the 10th over, Azam played his famous covers to perfection.

Advising young cricketers, he added: “Consistency is the key to success in sport. The support of family, friends, coaches and teammates has been invaluable.” He reiterated that his focus remains solely on cricket, preferring to respond to criticism with performance.

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Sri Lanka’s Sadeera Samarawickrama praised Azam’s century in the second ODI, calling him a “world-class player” and saying: “She got a good 100 and won the game for the team. It’s a great knock.”

Samarawickrama also praised Pakistan’s security arrangements, saying: “We are safe here, so it’s about playing the game with a clear mind. The environment was very nice.” Discussing Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy, he noted that the pitch helped spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Muhammad Nawaz, but added: “We were trying to get a wicket from Charith Asalanka and he created opportunities but unfortunately, we couldn’t take those catches.”

He concluded by praising the wicket, calling it “good for spinners in the early part of the game”.