Multiple records tumble in Rawalpindi as Babar Azam smashes century to rewrite Pakistan's history

Babar Azam smashes his 20th ODI century [Source: AFP]

The wait is finally over for Pakistan fans. Babar Azam has returned to top form, ending his long run without an international century. In the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Stadium in Rawalpindi, Babar played a calm and classy unbeaten knock of 102 runs from 119 balls. 

Notably, his performance helped Pakistan successfully chase down 289 runs with ease, winning the match by eight wickets and sealing the series 2–0.

This moment was especially important because Babar had not scored an international hundred since August 2023. His last century came in the Asia Cup against Nepal, and since then he had gone 83 international innings, and 33 ODI innings, without reaching three figures. After 807 long days, he finally broke the drought and did it in style in front of a home crowd.

It is worth noting that Babar’s century also brought a wave of new records. Here is the list:

Most ODI 100s for Pakistan

Notably, this innings also marked his 20th ODI hundred overall, putting him at the top of Pakistan’s all-time list alongside Saeed Anwar, though Babar achieved the milestone in far fewer innings.

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Most ODI 100s on Pakistan soil

Meanwhile, he also slammed his eighth ODI century on Pakistani soil, which is now the most by any Pakistan batter. He moved past Mohammad Yousuf, who had seven. 

Fewest innings taken to score 20 ODI 100s

Another notable milestone is that Babar is now among the quickest players in cricket history to reach 20 ODI centuries. Only Hashim Amla and Virat Kohli have done it faster. Babar reached the mark in 136 innings.

Most international 100s for Pakistan

In the bigger picture of Pakistani cricket, Babar’s century has pushed him further up the list of most international hundreds for the country. He now has 32 international tons, placing him just behind legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan.

Most centuries at Rawalpindi in International cricket

At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Babar also continued his dominance. His latest knock made him the player with the most international centuries at the venue, bringing his total there to five. Behind him are Ijaz Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, and Saeed Anwar, each with three.

Along with Babar’s achievements, Pakistan’s win in this match also carried significance. The team secured an unbeatable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.

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