Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed hope on Friday that Babar Azam, who had been recalled for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, would continue his PSL form.

In the 11th HBL Pakistan Super League edition that concluded earlier this month, Babar finished as the highest run-getter for the season and also led his side, Peshawar Zalmi, to lifting the trophy. He also struck two spectacular centuries in the season against Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United.

Babar’s return to form in the PSL followed a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign by Pakistan, during which the former captain was seen struggling. Subsequently, he was not included in the squad for the away ODI series against Bangladesh in March.

After he was recalled for the Australia series, scheduled from May 30 to June 4 in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Shaheen said during a press conference on Sunday that Babar had been the “backbone” of Pakistan’s middle order.

“We hope that his form from PSL continues and he wins matches for Pakistan,” the skipper added.

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