Babar Azam looks solid for World Cup 2023: Irfan Pathan

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan showered praise on Babar Azam following his remarkable 59-ball 90 against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up match on October 3 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Despite the captain's knock, Pakistan fell short in the match suffering a 14-run defeat. Earlier, the 28-year-old scored 80 runs in Pakistan's first warm-up match against New Zealand at the same stadium.
 
With the eagerly anticipated World Cup to begin on October 5, Pathan reckoned that Babar has been in fantastic form heading into the ICC global event. The Men in Green will take on the Netherlands in their campaign opener on October 6 in Hyderabad.

The 38-year-old further pointed out that the top-order of Pakistan might be the major concern for the 1992 champions. He added that Josh Inglis will be one player he is looking up to and he believes Mitchell Starc will play a key role for the five-time champions.

"Babar Azam looks solid for this World Cup. Nawaz is big plus for Pakistan today. Openers are big worry for them. For Australia I’m looking forward to see Josh Inglis bat in that line up if he gets an opportunity. Exciting player. Looking at their bowling set up, Starc’s Bowling and bowling well at the crucial stages of the game will be utmost important for them," Pathan wrote on X.

Australia beat Pakistan by 14 runs

Speaking about the warm-up game, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. Australia posted 351 runs, thanks to Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green's half-centuries. David Warner and Josh Inglis also provided a significant contribution, scoring 48 runs each. For Pakistan, Usama Mir picked up two wickets.

Pakistan staged an outstanding performance despite the top-order struggle to make a solid start. However, Marnus Labuschagne's three-wicket haul helped Australia to restrict Pakistan by 337 runs in 47.4 overs. Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Nawaz hit the fifties for Pakistan.