Pakistan's batting legend Babar Azam has often spoken about the defining moments of his career, but few memories stand as vividly in his mind as the night of October 24, 2021, when he led Pakistan to a landmark 10-wicket victory over India in the group stage of the ICC T20 World Cup.
For years, Pakistan had searched for a World Cup win over their arch-rivals, coming close on several occasions but never crossing the line. That evening, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forged a flawless chase that dismantled India’s bowling attack and brought Pakistan a win.
“Beating India means a lot to me. 2022 (2021) when we beat India in T20I. For me, it was one of the best (memories). First time, as a Pakistan captain, I defeated India in the World Cup,” Babar told Kevin Pietersen on the English great’s YouTube show The Switch.
By guiding his team to victory, Babar became the first Pakistan captain to defeat India in a World Cup match. Pakistan, deciding to bowl, had restricted India to 151-7, with Shaheen Afridi striking with three crucial wickets. For India, only Virat Kohli (57) and Rishabh Pant (39) played noteworthy innings. Later, chasing the total, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam blasted 79 and 68 unbeaten to take Pakistan over the line.