Pakistan has struggled to reach the knockout stages of recent ICC events, with their last appearance being the 2022 T20 World Cup final against England, where they lost by five wickets in Melbourne.
Then-captain Babar Azam led the team, scoring 32 runs off 58 balls with two boundaries.
Nearly two years later, Babar was invited by the Melbourne Cricket Ground to donate the bat he used in that final for display in the Melbourne Cricket Club’s Long Room.
Presenting the bat, Babar expressed his pride, saying, “It is an honor for me, and this means a lot because I played a World Cup final with this bat. I have great memories at the MCG, playing both ODIs and Test matches. It’s one of the best grounds for me, and being among the greats here is truly special.”
Following a successful home Test series win against England, Pakistan has arrived in Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is, with the first ODI set for November 4 at the MCG.
Babar highlighted the importance of the series as preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy at home, saying, “We have 10 to 15 one-day matches ahead and are aiming to make the most of this series and others to come.”