17 June,2024 05:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Babar Azam, MS Dhoni (Pic: File Pic)
Babar Azam overtook legendary Indian captain MS Dhoni and became the captain to score the most runs in the T20 World Cup history.
During the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Ireland, Babar Azam played a crucial role by scoring an unbeaten 32 runs in 34 balls and helped the side win the match. With this Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign came to an end.
He held on to one end, which played a crucial role in their 3-wicket triumph in a tricky chase of 107. After his composed knock, he surpassed Dhoni and has 549 runs to his name in 17 innings as captain in the T20 World Cup.
Earlier, MS Dhoni featuring in 29 T20 World Cup innings scored 529 runs being captain of the Indian team. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson can also surpass Dhoni as the NZ skipper is just two runs shy.
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While Babar broke the record with his bat, his star pacer, who was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning all-rounded performance, also made history.
Shaheen picked three wickets in his four-over spell while giving away 22 runs at a mere economy of 5.50. In the climax of the nerve-racking chase, he slogged two sixes into the stands to end Pakistan's campaign on a winning note.
This was the third time Shaheen was awarded the "Player of the Match" award. With this, he has now levelled the record with Umar Gul for the most POTM awards for Pakistan in the T20 World Cups.
Shaheen's father-in-law holds the record for the most POTM awards for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup which is four.
Coming to the T20 World Cup 2024 match, after being reduced to 32/6, Ireland managed to crawl to 106/9 after Gareth Delany (31) and Joshua Little (22') chipped in with valuable contributions.
In reply, Pakistan's opening pair failed while the middle order fell like a house of cards against a spirited bowling performance from Ireland.
Babar and Shaheen rescued a three-wicket win for Pakistan at the end which ensured they avoided finishing at the bottom of the group.
(With ANI Inputs)