A story of belief: Babar Azam who steered Pakistan's victory against New Zealand says that his aim is to be the best in the world

Pakistan top order batsman Babar Azam, after steering Pakistan to a much-needed victory and ending New Zealand’s winning streak said that he aims to be the best batsman in the world. Azam already tops the T20 ICC batting rankings. Azam is confident about the team’s belief to win their upcoming games and be a dark horse entering the World Cup 2019 semi-finals, he added that the win against New Zealand has given Pakistan momentum.

Azam thinks that his century against New Zealand, which was the driving force of Pakistan’s victory was his best knock till date. 

Watch a glimpse of his innings here: 

Pakistan had a bumpy start to their World Cup campaign. They lost three matches out of their five, winning just one, against a England, and the fifth game was a ‘washout’, a recurring result this World Cup. But they reincarnated their odds of playing the semis after comfortable wins against South Africa and New Zealand.

Pakistan next play Afghanistan on Saturday, who have lost all their games in the ongoing World Cup and sit at the bottom of the World Cup points table. Afghanistan will finish their league fixtures against Bangladesh, who are still in contention as they are level with Bangladesh with seven points. 

Sri Lanka are also very much in the race, with just one point behind Pakistan but with a game in hand. Pakistan will hope that other results go in their favour to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament. 

READ | ICC Gives Sri Lanka Permission To Wear 2nd Choice 'lucky Yellow Jersey'

Azam admitted that belief has been the key for Pakistan, they have shunned the haters and crafted a come back in the tournament. Azam added that the plan is to win the upcoming matches and then look ahead.

Azam who is a young 24-year-old batsman, who has textbook shots up his sleeves and is also capable of explosive batting said that the team never lost hope and was focusing on each game as it comes and still believed that they will turn the odds in their favour.

Defending champions Australia are the only team to have qualified for the semi-finals so far while New Zealand, India, and England currently rest on other top-four slots.

Azam said that his role is to bat till the end, to gauge the conditions, settle in and then capitalise from there on. He lauded Mohammad Hafeez and Harris Sohail’s innings which helped Pakistan establish partnerships. 

The young lad is hopeful and with his team building their story on belief, Babar Azam is sure to work towards being the best in the world, one game at a time. 

READ | World Cup 2019 | Pakistan End New Zealand's Undefeated Streak, Keep Semis Hopes Alive