Babar Azam became the third Pakistan player to score a century in Twenty20 Internationals, something that the Fab 4 has not even achieved.
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Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson are considered the Fab 4 of batting. The exploits of all the four players have redefined the art of batting in the modern era. Kohli is the only player to average over 50 in all three formats. Smith is a Test great. Williamson and Root are consistent in all formats. However, one Pakistan player is making a strong case to change the current Fab 4 into the Fab 5 of batting.
Babar Azam is currently considered one of the best players to have come out from Pakistan. Recently, the Pakistan skipper dethroned Kohli as he ended his 1000-day reign at the top of the ICC ODI rankings. In just 76 innings, Azam has already hit 13 centuries which is quicker than even Kohli. His average of 56 is slightly lower than that of Kohli, who averages a staggering 59.
But, during the match in Centurion, Azam actually achieved a feat which bettered the Fab 4. In the clash against South Africa, Azam became only the third Pakistan player to hit a century in Twenty20 Internationals. His knock of 122 is the highest by a Pakistan player but it has actually emulated the Fab 4 in this ONE aspect
Azam has bettered the Fab 4 by this century in Centurion. Kohli, Root, Williamson and Smith have not yet scored a century in Twenty20 Internationals. Kohli’s highest score is 94 against the West Indies in Mumbai. Williamson’s best is 95 against India. Root and Smith have smashed 90.
In such a short while, Azam has already surpassed the Fab 4 when it comes to achievements in certain aspects. However, the Pakistan skipper has a slightly low Test average of 44. In comparison, Smith, Kohli, Root and Williamson all have averages in excess of 50. Azam has not done well in the SENA countries. He is averaging over 35 in South Africa, 47 in New Zealand, 65 in England but only 27 in Australia.
If Azam has a great record in Tests in the near future, then the debate over great batting will be expanded from Fab 4 to the Fab 5. Azam has made a great case for being considered a modern day great. It is now reliant on his consistency.
