Pakistan star batter Babar Azam delivered a historic performance on Friday as “Babar Azam’s 20th ODI century guided Pakistan to an eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium,” according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Chasing 289, Pakistan completed the target in 48.2 overs to take an “unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.” With this win, “Pakistan registered their fourth consecutive bilateral ODI series win over Sri Lanka since 2015 and continued with the winning momentum from previous 2-1 triumph against South Africa in Faisalabad.”
A record equalling century
The PCB noted that “Babar equaled the record for most ODI hundreds for Pakistan with Saeed Anwar, accomplishing the feat in 136 innings, 107 fewer than the left-handed batter.”
His unbeaten 102 was not only his 20th ODI century, but also his first ODI hundred in 83 innings and over two years.
Babar is now the third-fastest in ODI history to reach 20 centuries. He achieved this milestone in 136 innings, behind only Hashim Amla (108) and Virat Kohli (133).
In comparison, Saeed Anwar reached the mark in 243 innings.
With this knock, Babar also recorded his 32nd international century, as the PCB highlighted that he has now “overtaken Saeed and Javed Miandad to become the fourth highest centurion for Pakistan in international cricket.”
His tally includes 20 ODI tons, 3 T20I centuries, the most for Pakistan, and nine Test hundreds.
A moment that felt personal
This milestone carried a deeper emotional weight:
This century of Babar Azam felt personal as the post-century celebration of Babar Azam involved a relieved smile, calm emotions, and humble acceptance that cricket is a game which tests the resilience and steadfastness.
The moment was special as fans captured it and shared their happiness like the whole of Pakistan had scored a century.
With Babar back among centuries and Pakistan continuing to dominate Sri Lanka, the team heads into future contests with renewed confidence and momentum.
