Babar Azam: “I try to play like Kohli and compete with him”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has made it clear that he is “nowhere near” as good as Virat Kohli and should not be compared to the Indian captain.

Azam’s comments come after he struck a career-best 97 not out in the second Twenty20 International against the West Indies in Karachi.

Azam’s knock not only helped his side claim a convincing 82-run win, but it also gave them an unassailable 2-0 series lead.

“I try to play like Kohli and compete with him,” Azam, who added that Kohli was the “the best batsman in the world”, was quoted as saying by Dawn.

Azam also admitted that he was gutted to have missed out on his maiden Twenty20 International century.

“There was no pressure on me and I was in coordination with Shoaib Malik, but unfortunately I missed a couple of balls and eventually, my century,” he said.

The 23-year-old, who currently has an average of 53.15 in Twenty20 Internationals, added that he has been highly impressed by newcomer Hussain Talat, who made his international debut in the first Twenty20 International.

In the two matches that have been played, the 22-year-old, who Azam branded as a “class player”, scored 41 and 63 respectively. He also took three wickets at an average of just five.

“I have been playing with him since the Under-19 matches and suggested to him not to take pressure,” Azam said.