Babar Azam once again showcased his class and control in the Bangladesh Premier League, scoring an unbeaten 67 to guide Rangpur Riders to a comfortable six-wicket victory while chasing a target of 152. His innings was the defining feature of the match, combining composure, precision, and authority as Rangpur cruised home without ever appearing under pressure.
Chasing a moderate total, Rangpur’s approach was built around stability rather than urgency, and Babar provided exactly that. Walking in early, he assessed the conditions quickly, focusing on strike rotation and boundary placement rather than raw power. The pitch offered little assistance to bowlers once batters were set, and Babar capitalised by playing late, keeping the ball on the ground, and forcing the fielding side to constantly adjust.
What made Babar’s innings stand out was his complete control of tempo. He ensured the required run rate stayed comfortably within reach, allowing his partners to bat freely around him. Whenever Rangpur lost a wicket, Babar responded by tightening his game, absorbing pressure and denying the opposition any chance to claw back into the contest. His calm presence effectively neutralised Dhaka Dominators’ bowling plans.
Babar’s shot selection was textbook. He punished width with crisp drives and cuts, rotated the strike with ease against spinners, and waited patiently for bowlers to miss their lengths. Rather than chasing risky strokes, he relied on timing and placement, which made his innings both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. The boundaries came regularly, but never at the cost of control.
Rangpur’s middle order benefitted enormously from Babar’s stability. With the chase firmly anchored, the other batters were able to play their natural games without fear of collapse. Partnerships flowed smoothly, and the target steadily shrank with minimal fuss. The pressure stayed firmly on Dhaka, who struggled to find breakthroughs once Babar settled in.
From Dhaka Dominators’ perspective, Babar proved impossible to dislodge. Bowlers tried changing pace, adjusting lengths, and altering angles, but nothing disrupted his rhythm. Field placements became increasingly defensive as the innings progressed, reflecting how completely Rangpur had taken charge of the chase. Without wickets, Dhaka had no path back into the match.
The final phase of the chase underlined Rangpur’s dominance. With Babar still at the crease, there was no sense of urgency or panic. He guided the innings to its conclusion with the same calm assurance he had shown from the start, ensuring Rangpur crossed the line with wickets and overs to spare. His unbeaten 67 was as much about match awareness as it was about run-scoring.
This innings further reinforced Babar Azam’s reputation as one of the most reliable batters in the T20 format. His ability to pace a chase, adapt to conditions, and finish games cleanly makes him invaluable in franchise cricket. For Rangpur Riders, his knock was not just a match-winning performance, but a statement of intent — one that highlighted their growing strength as a disciplined, well-balanced side.
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