Babar Azam dismisses comparisons with Virat Kohli, says he is nowhere near Indian legend

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam has dismissed all comparisons with India captain Virat Kohli. The 23-year-old, who scored 97 not out off 58 balls in Pakistan's huge win in the second T20 on Monday, has often been dubbed Pakistan's Kohli by the local media. 

However, Azam doesn't find himself in the same street as Kohli, even though he admitted he tries to emulate the Indian star, who is presently one of the prolific run-getters across all formats in international cricket. “I try to play like Kohli and compete with him," Babar said at the post-match presentation in Karachi before dismissing comparisons, according to a report in Dawn. 

Azam spoke of Kohli in glowing terms adding, he is nowhere near Kohli and that the India batsman is a legend. 

Earlier, world number one Pakistan continued their assault on the West Indian team. Following a massive 143-run victory in the first T20, they picked up where they had left off and registered another 82-run win on Monday thanks to defining contributions from Azam, newcomer Hussain Talat (63) and seasoned fast bowler Mohammad Amir (3/22).

On missing a century by three runs, Azam ruefully said: “There was no pressure on me and I was in coordination with Shoaib Malik but unfortunately missed a couple of balls and eventually, my century." 

Azam and Talat added 119 for the second wicket to set the foundations for Pakistan's highest total (205/3) ever in T20 cricket. Revealing his discussion with Talat during their stand, Azam said: “I have been playing with him since the Under-19 matches and suggested to him not to take pressure.”

The third and final match of the series will be played later today -- again in Karachi -- as Pakistan look to whitewash the Caribbean team.