ICC World Cup 2019 | I watch Virat Kohli’s videos to learn from him, says Babar Azam

Babar Azam has an impeccable record in the limited overs formats, as he has scored 2854 runs in 65 ODI innings at an average and strike rate of 50.96 and 86.14 respectively while scoring nine centuries. The number three batsman is no slouch in T20Is as well as he averages 54.21 and strikes at 128.95. Azam has revealed that his inspiration is Virat Kohli.

“I watch his batting and the way he bats in various conditions and try to learn from them. His winning ratio is higher (for India) so I am trying to achieve that as well,” he said on Friday, reported Scroll.

Pakistan had succumbed to a 124-run defeat against India in the opening match of 2017 Champions Trophy but won by over 180 runs, their biggest ODI win against their arch-rivals, in the finals of the same tournament. The number three batsman reckoned that team has to look nowhere else for confidence when the two sides clash in the World Cup encounter on Sunday.

“The Champions Trophy win gave us confidence and will also help here as well because the team is mostly the same and that win is always an inspiration. That win will always be in our memory and it’s a big inspiration. We are well prepared for this match because India and Pakistan matches are exciting and demanding and the whole world watches it,” expressed the 24-year-old.

“The whole team is positive so we are looking forward to the match. Not only me but all the players want to finish on a high, whoever hits form wants to win it,” he added.

India has one of the most lethal bowling attacks in the entire 10-nation tournament while Pakistan’s attack will rejoice with the return of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz’s form. Azam reckoned that the side will tackle the Indian attack and take inspiration from the game against England where the sixth-ranked side blasted 348 runs against the top-ranked side. 

“No doubt, India have a good bowling attack but we have played well against England who also have a very good pace attack so all of us are confident the Indian pace attack will be properly handled,” he signed off.