In a commanding display of batting prowess, Pakistan captain Babar Azam has ended an 807-day wait for an international century, smashing an undefeated 102 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka. This pivotal century, his 20th in ODIs, not only marks a significant personal achievement but also places him alongside Pakistan’s greatest batting legends.
This century is particularly noteworthy as it comes after a long drought of 84 innings across all formats. Babar’s return to peak form was crucial for Pakistan’s chase of 289, showcasing his immense talent and resilience under pressure. He expertly paced his innings, building a strong foundation for victory.
**A Milestone Achieved After 807 Days**
The wait for Babar Azam’s next international hundred felt extensive, with his last ton coming in August 2023. The 807-day period without a century became a major talking point in the cricketing world. His unbeaten 102 in Rawalpindi emphatically silenced any doubts, as he guided Pakistan towards a comfortable win.
**Joining Saeed Anwar in the Record Books**
Babar Azam’s 20th ODI century draws him level with the iconic Saeed Anwar, who also amassed 20 hundreds in the format for Pakistan. This makes Babar the joint-highest century-maker for his nation in ODI cricket. His ability to reach this milestone in just 136 innings underscores his consistent brilliance, ranking him third fastest globally for 20 ODI tons.
**Crucial Partnership Seals Victory**
Despite an early wobble in the chase, Babar Azam’s steady hand and calm demeanor stabilized the Pakistan innings. His significant partnership with Mohammad Rizwan, contributing 112 runs, was the bedrock of their successful pursuit. The duo’s efforts ensured Pakistan comfortably reached the target with eight wickets to spare.
**Match Details**
Pakistan successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 288/8, winning the match by eight wickets. Babar Azam’s unbeaten century was the highlight, supported by crucial contributions from Fakhar Zaman (78) and Mohammad Rizwan (51 not out). This victory also secured the ODI series for Pakistan, with Sri Lanka’s efforts, including valuable runs from Janith Liyanage and Wanindu Hasaranga, falling short.