Kane Williamson Lauds Babar Azam, Discusses T20 Strike Rates

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who also plays for Karachi Kings, recently shared his thoughts on a Pakistani cricketer who has profoundly impressed him.

In a recent interview, Williamson voiced his admiration for the accomplished batter, Babar Azam.

“Having played against Pakistan many times, I’ve consistently enjoyed watching Babar bat. He’s an exceptional player, truly a pleasure to observe,” Williamson commented. “He’s someone I’ve always appreciated.”

The 34-year-old also weighed in on the discussions regarding the strike rates of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20 cricket.

Addressing the focus on strike rates and batting strategies in contemporary T20 cricket, Williamson emphasised the significance of adapting to the team’s requirements.

“It revolves around fulfilling the team’s needs and striving to secure victories,” he articulated.

“As seen in the PSL, there have been scores exceeding 230, alongside totals around 130 and 140. Adaptability is crucial, and ultimately, it’s about fulfilling your role within the team to maximise performance. Whether it involves aggressive scoring or a more measured approach, the key is contributing to the team’s success,” he concluded.

The right-handed batsman also acknowledged Pakistan’s abundance of fast-bowling talent, specifically mentioning a couple of pacers who have consistently stood out.

“Pakistan has historically boasted impressive fast bowlers, a notable strength of their cricket. There are numerous threats,” he stated.

“Shaheen has been remarkable, particularly with the new ball. Additionally, Haris Rauf has consistently performed well for Pakistan over an extended period. These two bowlers have excelled,” he concluded.