Babar Azam Surpasses Kohli, Williamson, Viv Richards To Reach Top Of 'This' Special List
Babar Azam will be key in Pakistan's quest to chase 300
Pakistan captain, Babar Azam played his landmark 100th ODI innings against Afghanistan during the second match of their three-game series on Thursday.
Babar Azam played his 100th ODI innings vs Afghanistan
This was not just any match for the ace batter, as he managed to etch his name in history books by also becoming the batter with the highest number of runs (5089 and counting) in the 50-over format after 100 innings.
The gravity of Babar's accomplishment becomes evident when compared with the stats of another modern-day cricketing maestro, Virat Kohli. After his own 100 innings, the Indian batting powerhouse had chalked up 4230 runs, averaging 49.76, accompanied by 13 centuries and 23 fifties.
In this exclusive club of top run-scorers after 100 ODI innings, Babar now comfortably sits at the top, surpassing cricketing legends like Hashim Amla (4946), Sir Vivian Richards (4607), Shai Hope (4436), Joe Root (4428), Shikhar Dhawan (4323), David Warner (4272), Gordon Greenidge (4254), Kohli (4230) and Kande Williamson (4180).
Notably, earlier this year, Babar was already in the limelight for shattering another record against New Zealand, where he raced to 5000 ODI runs in just 98 innings.
Meanwhile, despite the significant occasion for Babar, Pakistan's eyes are set firmly on the target of 301 set by Afghanistan. The initial foundation was robustly set by openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, with a brisk 52-run partnership in nine overs before the former was dismissed.
Post Zaman's exit, all eyes turned to Babar as he strode to the crease, not just to mark his personal milestone, but to steer Pakistan closer to a series win.
With the Asia Cup 2023 around the corner, a series win here would not just be a feather in Pakistan's cap but a roaring statement of intent as they set their sights on the coveted trophy, beginning August 30.
 "Jatin")
