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When Babar Azam’s 151 Vs Nepal In Asia Cup 2023 Marked The Start Of His Century Drought

Jatin

Babar Azam scored 151 vs Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 [Source: @iambasit_Ba56/x.com]Babar Azam scored 151 vs Nepal in Asia Cup 2023 [Source: @iambasit_Ba56/x.com]

The Asia Cup 2025 is almost here with the action set to roll out in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 28. Pakistan have been drawn in Group A alongside India, Oman, and the UAE with their campaign starting against Oman on September 12 before that much-anticipated clash with India on September 14.

Babar Azam’s Last Century Came Against Nepal In Asia Cup 2023

As the chatter builds around team combinations and form, one name that continues to be under the scanner is Babar Azam. And not for the right reasons.

It’s been two years since Babar last raised his bat for a century in international cricket. Ironically, his last three-figure score came in the Asia Cup 2023 clash against Nepal in Multan, a knock that looked like the start of another purple patch but instead became the start of a drought.

On August 30, 2023, Babar walked out to bat against Nepal with the Multan crowd buzzing. Pakistan had lost Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq cheaply but the skipper dug in and turned the game around.

He smashed a magnificent 151 off 131 balls filled with 14 fours and 4 sixes. It was vintage Babar: calm early on, ruthless in the middle overs and commanding at the death.

Alongside him, Iftikhar Ahmed smashed a whirlwind 109*, and together they piled up a monstrous 342/6. In reply, Nepal crumbled for just 104 and handed Pakistan a thumping 238-run win. That night felt like Babar had once again stamped his authority on the big stage.

The Drought That Followed

But little did anyone know that this innings would be his last international century across formats. Since that knock, Babar has played dozens of games but has struggled to convert his starts.

Fifties have come here and there, but the big one has eluded him. For a batter who once made tons look effortless, the drought has become a dark cloud hanging over his head.

In cricketing terms, it’s like a well drying up in the middle of summer because the timing and placement are still there but the flow just hasn’t turned into hundreds. Fans and experts alike have debated whether it’s a mental block, technical flaw or just the game’s cruel cycle.

With the Asia Cup 2025 days away, Pakistan need their best player firing on all cylinders. Babar’s class is never in doubt as few in world cricket can match his drives or his ability to anchor an innings. But Pakistan’s success often mirrors his form and without those match-defining centuries, the team has felt the pinch.