Babar Azam delivered a high-quality T20 innings in the Bangladesh Premier League, scoring 71 off 44 balls to guide Rangpur Riders to a comfortable chase and earn the Player of the Match award. In a game that required composure more than brute force, Babar once again showed why he remains one of the most reliable batters in the format.
Chasing a competitive target, Rangpur needed stability at the top, and Babar provided exactly that. He began with caution, respecting the new ball and assessing the pitch conditions before expanding his range. Rather than chasing early boundaries, he focused on strike rotation, ensuring the required run rate stayed under control from the outset.
Once settled, Babar shifted gears seamlessly. His timing stood out — crisp cover drives, controlled flicks through midwicket, and well-placed lofted shots that cleared the infield without excessive risk. The innings was a textbook example of modern T20 batting, balancing intent with situational awareness.
The powerplay laid the foundation. Babar ensured Rangpur came through the first six overs without unnecessary damage, allowing the middle order freedom later in the innings. His ability to find gaps rather than rely solely on power frustrated the Khulna Tigers bowlers, who struggled to maintain pressure even with defensive fields.
The middle overs defined the chase, and Babar was central to Rangpur’s dominance. As spinners were introduced, he used his feet intelligently, either smothering the turn or stepping out to disrupt lengths. Boundaries came at regular intervals, preventing Khulna from building any sustained momentum.
What made the innings particularly valuable was Babar’s control of the tempo. Whenever the asking rate threatened to creep up, he responded with a boundary or a well-run two. This ensured Rangpur never felt the need for risky acceleration, keeping wickets in hand deep into the chase.
Even as partners fell at the other end, Babar remained calm. He took responsibility, guiding less-set batters through singles and ensuring communication stayed sharp. That leadership aspect of his innings often goes unnoticed but was critical in keeping Rangpur firmly in control.
Babar eventually fell after scoring 71, but by then the damage was done. The target was well within reach, and Rangpur were cruising. His dismissal did little to change the outcome, as the remaining batters finished the chase comfortably with overs to spare.
The Player of the Match award was a formality. Babar’s innings wasn’t about flashy strike rates or last-over heroics — it was about mastery of conditions and match awareness. In a league filled with power hitters, his performance was a reminder that classical batting still holds immense value in T20 cricket.
For Rangpur Riders, Babar’s form is a major boost as the tournament progresses. Having a batter who can anchor chases while scoring at a healthy rate provides tactical flexibility and confidence to the entire lineup. For fans, it was another demonstration of Babar Azam’s consistency and class — an innings built on precision, patience, and control rather than chaos.
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