Top 5 batting performances for Pakistan in 2018

2018 was a mixed year for Pakistan cricket generally, especially for the batsmen. Apart from T20Is they failed to put up scores consistently for their bowlers to defend. However, there are some flash of brilliance. Following are the top 5 batting performances for Pakistan in 2018.

5. Shadab Khan 52 & Faheem Ashraf 37 vs England in Lords Tests

A little partnership between these two budding all rounders, played a massive role in Pakistan’s most significant test win of 2018. Coming in after a rash stroke from the captain, Shadab Khan scored an assuring fifty. When Babar Azam was retired hurt at 46, Pakistan were in danger of being polished off with less than 80 runs lead. However, this partnership took the lead over 120. Ashraf played and missed a fair bit but showed his batting prowess with 7 fours. This partnership took the game away from England.

4. Babar Azam, 92 vs New Zealand in final ODI in Dubai

This should have been the series clincher, but for the desert rain. Pakistan had broken a long losing streak against New Zealand and were dominating thanks to a wonderful knock by Babar Azam. A swift 92, was a break from a relatively average ODI year for Babar. New Zealand had lost their ace opener Colin Munro early and were missing Kane Williamson due to injury. It should have been an easy win for Pakistan, but it wasn’t to be.

3. Fakhar Zaman, 91 vs Australia in Tri Series final Harare

It’s not often Pakistan’s batting wins them the game. But when it has happened in the past year or two, it’s invariably down to Fakhar Zaman. Pakistani top order were dismantled by Billy Stanley in one of the group games. In the final, thanks to a blistering opening partnership between Darcy Short and Aaron Finch, Australia posted a 183. Usually, that means doom for a Pakistani. However, this time around Fakhar Zaman had other ideas. A poor started was turned around with the help of Captain Sarfraz Ahmed. Fakhar, never let the run rate go beyond comfort and Shoiab Malik guided the team home. However, it was the precision of Fakhar’s innings that continued Pakistan’s T20 supremacy.

2.  Sarfraz Ahmed, 94 vs Australia in Abu Dhabi Test

Sarfraz, the batsman has had a quiet year. Along the experienced duo of Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq, the captain has failed to take responsibility after MisYou. However, against Australia in the 2^nd test, Sarfraz played a memorable hand. With his side, 57-5 before lunch of day 1, the wicket keeper batsman was at his enterprising best. A tremendous partnership between debutant Fakhar Zaman and him, helped Pakistan put up a match winning 1^st innings total.

1. Babar Azam, 71 vs South Africa in Centurion Test

It came late in the year and in a losing cause but boy was it good. With Pakistan in trouble on a pitch which was doing all sorts, Babar Azam laid into the returning Dale Steyn. With cuts, cover drives, on drives and pulls, he showed why he is slowly becoming a World Class batsman he was destined to be. It was the special innings of the year.