Pakistan batting star Babar Azam has revealed his favourite memory as national captain, saying it was a defining moment when his side outclassed India in a World Cup match for the first time. Babar was referring to Pakistan’s famous group-stage victory over India at the 2021 T20 World Cup, where the Men in Green thrashed their arch-rivals by 10 wickets.
Pakistan had been winless in 12 World Cup meetings with India until that night in Dubai, but Babar’s men ended the long-standing streak in emphatic fashion. After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan restricted India to 151. Apart from Virat Kohli’s fifty and Rishabh Pant’s 30-ball 39, none of the Indian batters made a significant impact. Shaheen Afridi’s three-wicket burst underpinned Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort. In response, Pakistan chased down the target in just 17.5 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan (79*) and Babar Azam (68*) scoring unbeaten half-centuries.
“Beating India means a lot to me. 2022 (2021) when we beat India in T20I. For me, it was one of the best (memories). First time, as a Pakistan captain, I defeated India in the World Cup,” Babar told Kevin Pietersen on the English great’s YouTube show The Switch.
Responding to Babar’s emotional reflection, Pietersen called India vs Pakistan the greatest rivalry in sport.
“I have always said, it’s the biggest sporting event in the world. There is nothing bigger. They talk about the football World Cup final. I wish I could have played in the game. I played the Ashes. I was lucky. I wish I would have been part of an India vs Pakistan game,” Pietersen said.
Babar concurred: “India vs Pakistan is next level. It’s massive.”
Babar’s status as one of Pakistan’s biggest modern-day superstars skyrocketed after he led the side to their first-ever World Cup win over India. Although Pakistan exited in the semi-final that year, Babar’s leadership left a lasting impression. The following year, Pakistan came close to beating India again in Melbourne, but a Virat Kohli masterclass denied them a repeat result.
Since that 2021 encounter, Pakistan have not beaten India in another ICC tournament.
HOW A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA CHANGED BABAR
Meanwhile, Babar identified the 2018–19 tour of South Africa as a pivotal moment in his career, saying the fifties he scored against a world-class pace attack gave him belief he belonged at the highest level. Babar hit 71 in the first Test in Centurion, followed by 72 in Cape Town, and added 49 in Johannesburg. Although Pakistan lost the series 0–3, Babar’s resilience in testing conditions stood out.
Babar added that his maiden World Cup hundred — against New Zealand in the 2019 edition — was another major confidence-booster. He struck a superb unbeaten century in Pakistan’s successful chase in Birmingham and finished the tournament with 474 runs, becoming the first Pakistan batter to score over 400 runs in a single World Cup.
“In my opinion, the first time I went to South Africa. That series changed my mindset. They had one of the best bowling line-up. Dale Steyn, KG. Against Steyn, that first innings, I scored 70-odd runs. In the second match, I scored 40-odd runs. That tour changed my mindset. Because, then, I realised I can do it at the highest level.
“An innings, if I have to say, the 2019 World Cup against New Zealand. That innings was one of the best.”
Babar is no longer captain of Pakistan’s senior sides. After a disastrous run at the 2023 World Cup and a disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup, the 31-year-old was removed from the captaincy. He was even dropped from the T20I squad earlier this year before earning a recall against South Africa in October.
Now back in the mix, Babar said his biggest goal is to help Pakistan end their long wait for an ICC title.
“I want to win an ICC trophy. We were in the finals, but we have lost. That’s why I am working hard on my fitness and skills. I am trying to be fitter. Now, my body is acting differently, but I am still sharp,” he said.
