South Africa's highest Test wicket-taker Dale Steyn acknowledged that he underestimated Pakistan's Babar Azam when they came to South Africa in 2018. Steyn said he was impressed with the way Babar approached the game.

"I love the fact that Babar came out and played with that aggressive mindset. I know I bowled like five half-volleys in a row to give him that opportunity to get onto that role."

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"I think I probably underestimated his ability. He had a couple of great drives. I thought I would send it wider but he was able to get on top of that as well." 

The 36-year-old added that Babar's ability to go against quality bowlers has made him better. "He has now gone on to make a billion runs since then. He used that as the stepping stone because he had taken on a bowler who in his eyes was one of the best. That is awesome. It is nice that there are a cat and mouse thing with everyone."

Steyn is looking for a contest against him when they meet next time on the field. "When we face off next time, it is going to be back to zero. The past won’t matter. It’s really nice that he has gone on to be as good as he is."

(With Cricket Pakistan Inputs)