LAHORE: New Zealand veteran batter Kane Williamson praised Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, placing him among the best batters in the world after leading his team into the tri-nation series final here at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.
Babar has been the mainstay of the Pakistan team for several years, consistently performing with his bat. However, in recent times, he has faced a dip in form, struggling to find his rhythm and deliver the kind of performance he is known for.
While addressing the media after his blazing century, Williamson hailed Azam’s class and placed him in the elites of the game.
“The ‘Fab Four’ or ‘Fab Five’ consists of some of the best players in the world, and Babar Azam is certainly one of them. He is a world-class batter who consistently delivers for his team,” said Williamson.
The former skipper also spoke about his experience in Pakistan, saying that he was delighted with the warm welcome and the passionate Lahore crowd.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
He also praised his team’s performance in the ongoing tri-nation series emphasizing that the New Zealand team played as a unit and handled pressure very well.
“Our team worked hard and due to this, we got good results. Devon Conway played brilliantly and the South Africa team was equally competitive and performed well in the match,” remarked the former captain.
Kane Williamson further talked about the pitch conditions and mentioned that as the day progressed, batting became easier.
“As the evening progressed, batting became easier, and we adapted well to the situation,” said Williamson.
Furthermore, he shared positive news about Rachin Ravindra’s fitness; Ravindra took a blow to the head while fielding during the first match of the series against Pakistan.
“I am not sure if Rachin Ravindra will play in the final, but he is recovering well and is in good health,” he said.
For the unversed, the Kiwi batter smashed an unbeaten 133 runs against South Africa in the second match of the tri-nation series, leading his team into the final.
The Blackcaps comprehensively chased the 305-run target on the loss of four wickets and eight balls remaining courtesy of 187 run stand between Devon Conway and Williamson.
Kane Williamson’s knock included 13 fours and two sixes. This was also the stalwart’s first ODI hundred since the 2019 World Cup when he hit 148 against the West Indies at Manchester.
READ: Tri-nation series: Kane Williamson’s blazing century propels New Zealand into final