Brilliant Babar Azam Ends 807-Day Wait With 20th ODI Hundred, Steers Pakistan to Victory

Brilliant Babar Azam Ends 807-Day Wait With 20th ODI Hundred, Steers Pakistan to Victory

Babar Azam finally ended a drought that stretched 807 days, smashing his 32nd international hundred and 20th ODI century on Friday. It was a milestone that had eluded him for more than two years and 83 innings, marking a long-awaited return to form for Pakistan’s premier batter.

His previous international hundred had also come in the 50-over format — a 151-run knock against Nepal in Multan back in August 2023.

Sri Lanka had set a competitive target after posting 288 for 8. Janith Liyanage anchored their innings with a composed half-century, while Pakistan’s attack was led by Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed, who picked up three wickets each.

Pakistan’s chase began steadily. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub put on 77 runs for the first wicket before Dushmantha Chameera broke the stand. Zaman then teamed up with Babar for a fluent 100-run partnership, guiding the innings past the early jitters. Chameera eventually removed Zaman for a well-crafted 78, but the momentum had already swung Pakistan’s way.

From there, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan took charge. Both batters, who’ve faced heavy scrutiny over the last two years, stitched together a commanding 112-run stand that sealed the win with ease.

Babar reached his century with a simple single off Pramod Madushan in the 48th over. Rawalpindi’s crowd erupted. Teammates stood applauding, and Rizwan pulled him into a long embrace at the non-striker’s end — a moment that felt as much like relief as celebration.

The century also puts Babar alongside Saeed Anwar for the most ODI hundreds for Pakistan — 20 each. Babar’s feat, though, has come in just 136 innings, compared with Anwar’s 244.

Most ODI centuries for Pakistan:
• 20 – Babar Azam*
• 20 – Saeed Anwar
• 15 – Mohammad Yousuf
• 11 – Mohammad Hafeez
• 11 – Fakhar Zaman