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Cricket ODI world cup 2023

'Record kya book cricket khel kar todega?' - Fans react to Kamran Akmal's bold prediction that Babar Azam will break Virat Kohli's colossal ODI record

Babar currently has 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries from 117 ODI matches. He has scored over 5700 runs at an impressive average of 56.72 and a strike rate of 88.75.

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Mathew K
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Babar Azam & Kamran Akmal (Source: Twitter)

Babar Azam & Kamran Akmal (Source: Twitter)

On November 15, Virat Kohli broke a record that no one thought any player would touch when it was set. The former India captain notched up his 50th ODI century, overtaking legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the list of most hundreds in the 50-over format. The milestone came on the biggest stage – the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final – and in front of his childhood hero at the iconic Stadium. 

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While Tendulkar had taken 463 ODIs to score 49 centuries, Kohli has overtaken him in just 291 matches. With the third player on the list (Rohit Sharma) trailing far behind with 31 centuries, Kohli is likely to hold the record for a long time or even forever. However, former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal believes that Babar Azam can break Kohli's massive record. 

Akmal opined that any top-order batter has a chance to go past 50 ODI centuries. Apart from Babar, the former wicket-keeper batter feels that young India opener Shubman Gill is also a good contender. Notably, Australia's David Warner is the only active player in the top 10 of the list. 

“Anyone who bats in the top three can break that record. It is very challenging for middle-order batsmen to get to such a number. We have Babar Azam, who bats at No. 3 and he has a chance. India have Shubman Gill, who opens the batting, and he can also go for the record,” Akmal said on ARY News. 

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Watch the video below: 

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I am here to support the team with my experience and dedication: Babar after stepping down as Pakistan captain

The 29-year-old Babar currently has 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries from 117 ODI matches. He has scored over 5700 runs at an impressive average of 56.72 and a strike rate of 88.75. Meanwhile, a couple of days back, the former No.1 ODI batter stepped down from Pakistan's all-format captaincy following the 2023 World Cup debacle.

The Men in Green failed to enter the semi-finals after losing five of their league matches. Babur's captaincy came under heavy criticism following a disappointing campaign. Moreover, his contribution in the batting department was also not up to the mark, scoring just over 300 runs in 9 matches. 

“Today I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all three formats. It is a difficult decision, but I feel it is the right time for this call. I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication," Babar said in a statement released on his social media handle X (formerly known as Twitter). 

Here's how fans reacted to Kamran Akmal's prediction: 

Virat Kohli Pakistan featured Babar Azam Kamran Akmal ODI World Cup 2023