Matching babar

ODI World Cup: Ahead of Australia’s three-match Test series against Pakistan, veteran left-handed opener Usman Khawaja drew parallels in clash of batting titans between Steven Smith and Babar Azam, saying it is like comparing the Sydney-based right-handed batter with the talismanic Virat Kohli.

Azam comes into the series on the back of a poor showing in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in India, which led to him quitting the leadership mantle across all formats. Smith, on the other hand, comes into the series as a member of the Australian team winning the global trophy in Ahmedabad.

"Babar Azam is one of the best batsmen in all three formats. Steve Smith is the greatest batsman of our era. When they both will be playing here in the Benaud-Qadir series, it would be exciting. Matching Babar with Smith is almost like matching Smith with Kohli."