Former South African batter AB de Villiers has heaped praise on Pakistan captain Babar Azam while calling him a “huge rock” for the Men in Green.
De Villiers’ remarks came ahead of the highly-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
"I love talking about Babar Azam because he is one of the best players we have ever seen play this game and not just now. He is a huge rock in the Pakistan batting order,” the former South Africa captain said on his YouTube channel.
“If India wants to keep Pakistan quiet, this is the guy to dismiss early because he keeps the batting lineup together and acts as a glue in the Pakistan middle-order," he said.
The legendary South Africa batter also said that Azam will be key to Pakistan’s chances in the Asia Cup and World Cup this year.
"I met him first when he [Babar] was very young but quickly realised that this guy is here to stay. He has hurt bowling attacks all around the world and in all formats. He is a fantastic player and Pakistan need him in form for the Asia Cup and most importantly, for the World Cup," he concluded.
Pakistan began their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on a high with a massive 238-run win over Nepal on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, India will kick start their tournament with the match against their traditional rivals Pakistan.
India have the upper hand against Pakistan with seven wins in 13 Asia Cup (ODI) matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan have won five with one match ending in no result.
Pakistan have also lost four of the last five matches against India in the Asia Cup, with their last win coming in Mirpur in 2014. It was the same match where Shahid Afridi hit two consecutive sixes against Ravichandran Ashwin in the last over to get Pakistan over the line.
The Asia Cup 2023 will be held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka between August 30 and September 17.
Four matches will be played in Pakistan, while nine, including the final, will be played in Sri Lanka.
Pakistan are in Group A alongside Nepal and India. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are in Group B.
Top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023.
- Babar Azam
