Shaheen backs Babar to carry PSL form into Australia ODIs

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has said he hopes Babar Azam will take his strong Pakistan Super League form into the upcoming three-match one-day international series against Australia.

Babar has been brought back into the squad for the series, which is scheduled from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Shaheen described the former captain as the backbone of Pakistan’s middle order.

Attributing his remarks to Babar’s recent performances, Shaheen said:

We hope that his form from PSL continues and he wins matches for Pakistan.

In the 11th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League, which ended earlier this month, Babar finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer and captained Peshawar Zalmi to the title. He also made two centuries during the season, against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United.

Babar’s strong PSL showing came after a difficult T20 World Cup campaign for Pakistan, where he struggled for runs. He was then left out of the squad for the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March before being recalled for the Australia matches.