Babar Azam vs Steve Smith

In the cricket history, few rivalries capture the essence of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship like the one between Babar Azam vs Steve Smith.

In 2023, during the second Test in Karachi, Pakistan captain Babar Azam showcased what many called his “best Test innings”.

Chasing a daunting 506-run target against Australia, Pakistan ended on 443 for 7, thanks to Babar’s 196 and Mohammed Rizwan’s unbeaten 104.

Babar’s marathon effort, which included 21 fours and a straight six, was a record for any captain in the fourth innings of a Test.

However, he fell just short of a double century, a moment that Steve Smith, the Australian batting maestro, commented on.

Smith noted that Babar, at 196, might have been looking for a boundary through the off-side, which perhaps led to his dismissal.

Meanwhile, the rivalry between Steve Smith vs Babar is marked by mutual respect. Smith has openly praised Babar’s batting, admiring his style and technique.

In an Instagram Q&A session, Smith mentioned Babar as his favorite Pakistan player, commending his batting prowess.

Babar, on his part, has often been seen as a formidable opponent by the Australian team, with his batting skills earning him a place in the top five of the ICC rankings across all formats.

Another Babar Azam vs Steve Smith duels happen during the ICC World Cup 2023, a notable moment came when Babar, fielding at slip, missed a crucial catch of Smith.

This incident during the 35th over marked a significant point in Babar vs Smith’s on-field encounters, reflecting the intense competition and high stakes involved in their matches.

Furthermore, Babar has consistently broken records, surpassing contemporaries like Virat Kohli and Steve Smith in various batting milestones.

His exceptional average at the number four batting spot in Tests is a testament to his skill and consistency.

All in all, this article aims to provide an objective analysis of the rivalry between Steve Smith vs Babar Azam, focusing on their stats, records, and achievement in sports.

Who Has a Better Performance: Babar Azam vs Steve Smith?

The cricketing world has witnessed many great rivalries, but the one between Babar Azam and Steve Smith stands out for its sheer brilliance and consistency.

Both players have carved out remarkable careers, showcasing their prowess in all formats of the game.

Babar, a top-order batsman from Pakistan, and Smith, a middle-order batsman from Australia, have both led their national teams and set numerous records.

Their performances have not only captivated fans but also raised the question: Who has better performance?

The Highlight of Babar Azam’s Cricket Career

Babar Azam, born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Pakistan, has emerged as one of the finest batters in contemporary cricket.

He made his international debut for Pakistan in 2015 and quickly became a mainstay in the team across all formats. Babar’s batting is characterized by his discipline and technical proficiency.

In Tests, Babar has played 50 matches, scoring 3,807 runs at an average of 47.00, including 9 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His highest score in Tests is 196.

In ODIs, he has played 117 matches, amassing 5,729 runs at an impressive average of 56.72, with 19 centuries and 32 fifties.

His T20I record is equally remarkable, with 3,485 runs in 104 matches at an average of 41.48, including 3 centuries and 30 half-centuries.

Babar’s domestic career is also notable, having played for teams like Karachi Kings in the PSL and Somerset in the T20 Blast.

He holds several records, including the fastest to 1,000 T20I runs and the highest individual score by a Pakistan in T20Is.

The Highlight of Steve Smith’s Cricket Career

Steven Peter Devereux Smith, born on June 2, 1989, in Sydney, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the best Test batsmen of the modern era.

Smith’s journey in international cricket began in 2010, and he has since become a pivotal player for Australia in all formats.

In his Test career, Smith has played 103 matches, scoring 9,396 runs at an astounding average of 58.36, with 32 centuries and 39 fifties.

His highest Test score is 239. In ODIs, he has featured in 155 matches, scoring 5,356 runs at an average of 43.54, including 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries. In T20Is, Smith has scored 1,079 runs in 65 matches at an average of 25.69.

Smith’s domestic career includes playing for New South Wales, Sydney Sixers, and various teams in the IPL.

He has several records to his name, including the fastest to 7,000 Test runs and the highest Test batting rating for an Australia since Bradman.

Steve Smith vs Babar Azam: Who is Better?

The ongoing debate in the cricket world often revolves around comparing the performances of top players.

In this case, we delve into the detailed statistics of Babar Azam vs Steve Smith, two of the most prominent figures in modern cricket.

This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of their achievements and styles.

1. Career Span and Experience

Smith’s international career started earlier (2010) than Azam (2015), providing him with a longer span at the highest level.

2. Performance in Different Formats

Smith has a significantly higher Test average and more centuries, reflecting his dominance in the longest format.

Azam, while having a shorter career, has shown exceptional skill in ODIs and T20Is, evident in his higher averages and more centuries in these formats compared to Smith.

3. Consistency and Conversion

Smith’s consistency in Test cricket is unparalleled, with a high average and a substantial number of centuries.

While, Azam has shown remarkable consistency in ODIs and T20Is, converting his starts into big scores more frequently.

4. Role and Batting Position

Smith primarily bats in the middle order in Tests, showcasing his ability to build innings and play long knocks.

However, Azam, as a top-order batter, often sets the tone for the innings in limited-overs cricket, playing crucial roles in setting or chasing targets.

Final Words on Steve Smith vs Babar Azam Comparison

Comparing Babar Azam vs Steve Smith is challenging due to their different playing styles and the contexts in which they play.

Babar excels in ODIs and T20Is with his consistent scoring and ability to anchor innings. His technique and temperament in limited-overs cricket are exemplary.

Smith, on the other hand, is a Test cricket colossus, known for his unorthodox yet effective batting style and incredible consistency, especially in the longest format.

In terms of versatility across formats, Babar has a slight edge with his superior ODI and T20 records.

However, Smith’s dominance in Test cricket, coupled with his significant contributions in ODIs, makes him a formidable opponent.

Ultimately, the comparison boils down to personal preference and the specific requirements of a team in different formats.

Beyond the rivalry of Babar Azam vs Steve Smith, one thing for sure are both players have had a profound impact on the game and continue to set high standards in international cricket.