Bristol, United Kingdom -Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower has tippedgifted youngster Babar Azam to emerge as one of the best batsmen at theWorld Cup.
Babar showed his vast potential by smashing 63 from 66 balls to lead thePakistan assault as they piled on 348-8 in their shock win over tournamentfavourites England on Monday.
The 24-year-old has already made an impact since his debut in 2016, havingscored 2,824 runs in 66 one-day internationals at an impressive average of51.34.
But he can underline his qualities in front of a global audience if hecontinues to shine at the World Cup in England and Wales.
Flower believes Pakistan’s batting will continue to flourish after a nervystart in their World Cup opener against the West Indies.
Babar is likely to hold the key to their hopes of a successful campaignand, speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Sri Lanka in Bristol, Flowersaid: “Babar has come a long way. His game is improving all the time.
“He’s going to develop even more, close to being at the top of his game,he is really exciting and he is going to be one of the best players in theworld.”
Pakistan were shot out for a paltry 105 against the West Indies lastFriday, before a far much impressive effort against England at the sameTrent Bridge venue.
Flower said the two contrasting performances showed Pakistan’sunpredictability and inconsistency.
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“I would say it’s a bit of a both,” said Flower, who along with his elderbrother Andy formed the backbone of the Zimbabwe team in 1990s.
“Yeah, we didn’t adapt well to the conditions against West Indies.Technically, we were a bit poor on the day. And I think there were a lot ofnerves being the first World Cup match definitely.
“Then the guys got over that against England and they showed their properskills and it was a true test of character. They came through with flyingcolours in the second game.”
Pakistan’s batsmen showed remarkable improvement in their recent seriesagainst England when they became the first team ever to post 340-plustotals in three consecutive ODIs.
But Flower has warned his players not to underestimate Sri Lanka, who likePakistan, have lost and won a game in this World Cup.
“You have always got to be respectful and they have got good bowlers. And,hopefully, the weather stays away, it is a bit poor, the forecast,” hesaid, with Friday set for persistent rain throughout the day. -APP/AFP
