Stats: Highest averages for a No.3 batsman in T20Is

After their recent string of poor fortunes, the Pakistan team pulled out a scintillating performance from the sack to level the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand. The Men in Green registered a comprehensive 48 runs victory to level the series 1-1, with the decider set to take place on January 28. Batting revival was going to be key for Pakistan if they were to come back in the T20I series after being swatted aside in the first clash and their batsmen did deliver this time around.

A much-improved effort from the batting line-up helped the Men in Green post a mammoth score of 201 at the end of their 20 overs. The Kiwis could only manage 153 in 18.3 overs and eventually ran out of steam to fall short by 48 runs.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan were served well by the opening duo of Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman. On a batting-friendly track, their positive approach helped the visitors canter to a fast start. Pakistan’s top four did their job. Zaman scored his maiden T20I half century, Shehzad made 44 off 34, skipper Sarfraz Ahmed contributed 41 off 24 while Babar Azam’s half-century off 29 balls, in the end, helped them get past the 200-run mark.

Babar along with skipper Sarfraz went on to score 91 for the third wicket in just the next eight overs to put Pakistan well on course of a big target. They managed to pick up 11 in the final over end the innings with momentum on their side.

The 23-year-old looked in sublime form, and with the innings, he now has the second-highest average for a No.3 batsman in the shortest format. Just falling behind Virat Kohli, the 26-year-old boasts of an extravagant average of 52.77. While India skipper leads the pack with a scintillating overall of 57.75, the only other Indian in the fray is Suresh Raina.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis stands at the 3rd spot with an impressive average of 39.61 closely followed by charismatic English cricketer Kevin Pietersen who averages at 38.86.

Here is the list of batsmen with the highest average at No.3 in T20Is: