By Srian Obeyesekere
Colombo Strikers Babar Azam, who blazed his way to the first three figure mark in the ongoing Lanka Premier League in reaching 104 off 59 balls in becoming the second batsman in T20 cricket to score 10 centuries after West Indian Chris Gayle, did insulate the Pakistan captain in a groove as a stakeholder to being the greatest batsman in world cricket that many experts have come to esteem him.
The Pakistan captain set the world abuzz when he soared past India’s Virat Kohli and Australian Steve Smith to topping the batting list for the highest test average of 69.10 in only 15 innings batting in the No 4 slot.
Indeed, the 28-year old Pakistani super star did brong the hill climes of Kandy alive by his trailblazing innings powered by 5 over the top and 4 to the ropes that gripped the strong hill country fan base in a fulfilment of the best action they could ask for. His display took Colombo Strikers to a handsome 3-wicket triumph in reaching 189 for 3 in high shoring drama Chasing down Galle Tirans 188 for 3.
He put on 111 for the first wicket with local boy Pathum Nissanka who made 54 off 40.
