Babar Azam has once again proven why he remains one of Pakistan’s most gifted modern batters. After 807 days and 83 innings without a century, he finally smashed an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi during the second ODI — a moment that instantly revived hope among fans and silenced critics who doubted his current form. His brilliant knock also sealed the series for Pakistan with one match still remaining.

This innings was classic Babar: calm, controlled, technical, and mentally tough. But beyond the celebration, this performance carries deeper meaning for Pakistan cricket and exposes important truths about the team’s batting struggles over the past two years.

Babar Azam Equals Saeed Anwar’s Historic Record

With this century, Babar Azam has now equaled Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI centuries, becoming only the second Pakistani to reach this milestone. What makes the achievement even more impressive is the speed at which he arrived here — reaching 20 centuries in just 108 innings, far quicker than Anwar’s 244 innings.

Most ODI Hundreds for Pakistan:

• Babar Azam — 20

• Saeed Anwar — 20

• Mohammad Yousuf — 15

• Fakhar Zaman — 11

• Mohammad Hafeez — 11

Despite the pressure, the criticism, and the drought, Babar’s average still stands above 53, making him one of the most consistently high-performing ODI batters of the modern era.

A Century That Silences Critics — For Now

For months, critics questioned Babar’s temperament, leadership, strike rate, and ability to perform under pressure. Some argued Pakistan should move forward without him.
This century has shifted that conversation again.

But the larger question remains:
Why did it take him 807 days to score another ton?

Babar’s drought was not just about poor form — it was part of a deeper structural problem in Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan’s ODI Batting Crisis: The Reality Behind the Numbers

Pakistan’s ODI batting unit has been in decline for years. The top order repeatedly collapses, middle-order hitters struggle to rotate strike, and senior players fail to take responsibility.

Babar’s century drought exposed:

• Overdependence on one player

• No stable middle order

• No clear batting strategy

• Team selection based on reputation rather than performance

Pakistan’s ODI side is still stuck between old-school batting and modern attacking cricket. Babar’s innings was a reminder that classical batting still wins matches — but Pakistan desperately needs a complete batting rebuild.

What This Century Means for Pakistan’s Future

Babar Azam is 31. He’s entering the peak years of his career.
If this innings marks his return to confidence, Pakistan could see their strongest version of him again — the one who dominated world rankings from 2020–2022.

This moment is not an end.
It feels like a beginning.

Babar now has the chance to:

• Become Pakistan’s all-time leading ODI centurion

• Return to the ICC top rankings

• Play with freedom instead of fear

• Guide Pakistan through a crucial rebuilding phase

If he scores another century in the next match, he will become the undisputed record-holder — a title he is expected to carry for many years.

What This Means for Pakistan Cricket Fans

For fans who stayed loyal through Babar’s toughest phase, this century is emotional. It brings hope.
For fans who doubted him, it forces reflection.

But for Pakistan cricket as a whole, it is a reminder of one truth:

Players like Babar Azam don’t come often — and when they rise, the entire nation rises with them.

Pakistan cricket is entering a new chapter, and Babar has written its first line.

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