Babar Azam Aims History; Pakistan Batters With Most ODI Tons

Soumyajit Dutta

Pakistan players with most ODI centuries [Source: @sufi_saroj/X.com]Pakistan players with most ODI centuries [Source: @sufi_saroj/X.com]

Pakistan's ODI cricket history has been graced by some of the most prolific and stylish batters, each leaving an indelible mark with their remarkable centuries. From classical players to modern-day greats, these players have defined eras with their consistency and flair.

As Babar Azam stands on the brink of equalling a Pakistan great's record ahead of the 3rd ODI against West Indies on August 12, here's a list of the most centuries achieved by the Men in Green in ODIs.

4. Mohammad Hafeez And Fakhar Zaman – 11 Centuries

Mohammad Hafeez was a versatile asset for Pakistan in ODIs. Playing between 2003 and 2022, Hafeez not only contributed with the bat but also proved valuable with his off-spin bowling. From 218 matches, he scored 6,614 runs at an average of 32.90, while registering 11 centuries and 38 fifties. 

On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman has redefined Pakistan’s opening batting with his aggressive and fearless approach since his debut in 2017. In just 86 matches, the left-hander has already notched 11 centuries, including a record-breaking double century, an unbeaten 210, against Zimbabwe in 2018. His innings often set the tone for Pakistan’s big wins, including match-winning knocks in high-pressure encounters.

3. Mohammad Yousuf – 15 Centuries

One of Pakistan’s most elegant and technically sound batters, Mohammad Yousuf’s ODI career spanned from 1998 to 2010. Yousuf was known for his impeccable timing, textbook shots, and remarkable consistency against both pace and spin. 

In 288 matches, he amassed 9,554 runs at an average of 42.08, including 15 centuries and 62 fifties. While many of Mohammad Yousuf's performances were significant, his century against Sri Lanka in the Sharjah Cup final on April 17, 2002, is particularly notable as it marked his 100th ODI appearance, and he became the first and only Pakistani batter to date to score a century in his 100th ODI.

2. Babar Azam – 19 Centuries

Babar Azam has quickly risen to become one of Pakistan’s most prolific ODI batters, breaking records at a pace unmatched by most of his predecessors. Since making his debut in 2015, Babar has scored 6,282 runs in 133 matches at an exceptional average of 54.62. His tally of 19 centuries in 133 matches underlines his consistency and hunger for big scores, though the batter has remained dry for almost two years now.

With the West Indies series ongoing and after a rare duck in the 3rd ODI, the 3rd ODI now stands as a salvage point for Babar to register a century and break the jinx to score 20 centuries and stand shoulder to shoulder with Saeed Anwar, who tops this list.

1. Saeed Anwar – 20 Centuries

Saeed Anwar remains one of the most iconic figures in Pakistan’s ODI history. Playing from 1989 to 2003, the stylish left-hander amassed 8,824 runs in 247 matches at an average of 39.21, with 20 centuries and 43 fifties to his name. 

Anwar's most memorable knock, a then-world-record 194 against India in 1997, remains etched in cricketing history. Anwar had the rare gift of making batting look easy, often dismantling attacks with his array of drives and cuts. Even years after his retirement, he is celebrated as one of Pakistan’s finest ODI openers.