![Did Ghazi Gori use Babar Azam’s bat? [Source: @CricFollow56/x, AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1773648603675_DidGhaziGoriuseBabarAzamâsbat.jpg?type=hq)
Did Ghazi Gori use Babar Azam’s bat? [Source: @CricFollow56/x, AFP]
Ghazi Ghori made his international debut during Pakistan’s series-deciding third ODI match against Bangladesh in Mirpur on Sunday, March 15. Batting at number three for the ‘Men in Green’ in a stiff chase of 291, the 23-year-old compiled 29 from 39 balls before getting knocked over by Nahid Rana.
While the youngster showcased his stroke-making ability by striking three boundaries and a six after Pakistan had slipped to 17-3, it was the bat in the debutant’s hands that ultimately caught everyone’s attention. The bat notably carried the name ‘Babar’, sparking curiosity among fans of legendary Pakistan batter Babar Azam.
Did Ghazi Ghori play with Babar Azam’s bat against Bangladesh?
Young Ghazi Ghori led Pakistan’s top-order recovery after the team slipped to 17-3 by compiling a fighting 29 from 39 balls against Bangladesh in the third ODI of the series in Mirpur. Despite forming a 40-run partnership with Abdul Samad to take his side past the 50-run mark, it was his bat that caught the attention of Pakistan cricket fans.
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Interestingly, Ghazi Ghori’s bat was inscribed with the name ‘Babar’, which generated considerable curiosity among Babar Azam fans. While several Pakistan supporters perceived it as Ghazi’s way of paying tribute to the nation’s cricketing icon, the real story tells a completely different tale.
The bat actually belonged to a series of cricket bats in Pakistan, that are tagged with ‘BS BMK Babar’.
Ghazi Ghori demonstrates excellent composure on debut
Batting at number three, debutant Ghazi Ghori arrived to the crease in a chase of 291 in just the first over of the innings. Stepping in the middle at 6-1, soon to be 17-3, the 23-year-old clattered three boundaries and a six to douse Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed’s new ball threat after losing three early wickets.
His partnership of 40 with Abdul Samad took Pakistan to 67 in 14 overs, before another wicket-taking burst from the hosts’ pacemen tilted the tide back in Bangladesh’s favor. Nonetheless, the youngster’s calm approach and willingness to counterattack under pressure offered a glimpse of his immense potential on the international stage.
Pakistan falls short despite Salman Agha ton
In the end, Ghazi Ghori’s promising debut innings went in vain as Pakistan succumbed to an 11-run defeat in the high-scoring thriller. Chasing 291 after Tanzid Hasan’s sublime run-a-ball century lifted Bangladesh to a competitive 290-5 in 50 overs, Pakistan got their top-order wrecked by fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Nahid Rana.
Tottering at 82-5, T20I skipper Salman Agha led Pakistan’s counterattacking recovery by batting with the tail. The star all-rounder composed 106 runs from just 98 balls with nine boundaries and four huge sixes, and crafted crucial partnerships with Saad Masood, Faheem Ashraf and with captain Shaheen Afridi.
The skipper himself clubbed a quick 37, but a tight last over from Rishad Hossain enveloped the entire ‘Men in Green’ for just 279. With Bangladesh winning the third ODI, the hosts also clinched the three-match series by a 2-1 margin.
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