Pakistani batsman Babar Azam finally ended his 807-day century drought with a match-winning century on Friday, November 14, against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Babar scored an unbeaten 102 runs off 119 balls, including eight boundaries. Thanks to his magnificent innings, Pakistan achieved the target of 289 runs in 48.2 overs, losing only two wickets.
First Century in 84 Innings
This was Babar's first international century in 84 innings. His last century came against Nepal in the Asia Cup on August 30, 2023. During this period, he surpassed the 50-run mark 20 times but could not reach three figures.
Babar's 20th Century
With this century, Babar reached his 20th ODI century, tying with Saeed Anwar for the most ODI centuries for Pakistan. He achieved this milestone in just 136 innings, making him the third-fastest player to score 20 ODI centuries after Hashim Amla (108) and Virat Kohli (133).
Additionally, Babar scored his eighth century on home soil, the most by any Pakistani batsman, surpassing Mohammad Yousuf (7).
Babar entered the crease when Saeem Ayub and Fakhar Zaman had quickly amassed a 77-run partnership off 58 balls. Initially showing patience, Babar hit his first boundary after 23 deliveries. He completed his half-century in 68 balls and contributed to a crucial 100-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman (78) off 127 balls.
Eventually, he forged a solid, unbeaten 112-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (51*), bringing up his century in 115 balls. This significant partnership secured Pakistan a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on November 16.
