Babar Azam second fastest to 3,000 ODI runs
BIRMINGHAM (AFP) – Pakistan batsman Babar Azam became the second-fastest to reach 3,000 one-day international runs during the World Cup match against New Zealand in Birmingham.
The 24-year-old reached the milestone in his 68th innings during Pakistan's chase of a 238-run target. Babar took 11 innings more than South Africa's Hashim Amla, who reached the milestone in 57 innings, but overtook West Indies great Viv Richards (69 innings).
Pakistan were 110 for three at the halfway point of 25 overs at Edgbaston, needing another 128 runs for victory. Babar and Mohammad Hafeez (32) added 66 for the third wicket after Pakistan lost openers Fakhar Zaman (nine) and Imam-ul-Haq (19).
Hafeez was caught by Lockie Ferguson in the deep off the bowling of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson for 32 to leave Pakistan 110-3. Babar went on to reach his 50 off 65 balls with five fours.