Pakistan captain Babar Azam finally broke his long century drought with a match-winning knock in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on November 14. His unbeaten 102 off 119 balls not only secured an eight-wicket victory for Pakistan but also ended an 807-day wait for a three-figure score across formats. His last century had come back in the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal.
Babar, who was named Player of the Match, said the moment felt destined. Speaking at the presentation, he credited the almighty for the timing of the milestone and emphasised that he was focused on taking the chase deep for Pakistan.
“It felt like when Allah has written something for you, it happens. I wasn’t thinking about anything else—just staying at the crease and completing the chase,” Babar said.
The hundred also allowed Babar to equal Saeed Anwar’s record for most men’s ODI centuries for Pakistan. Reflecting on the achievement, he said matching a legend like Anwar was an emotional moment.
“It feels great to equal someone like Saeed Anwar, who has played so many iconic innings for Pakistan,” he said.
Babar admitted that failing to convert good starts earlier in the series had been frustrating, which made this hundred even more meaningful. He expressed confidence that this performance would help him build momentum.
“Alhamdulillah, it’s special because I haven’t been able to convert starts lately. I want to continue performing in the matches ahead. Achieving something like this at home brings even more happiness,” he added.
Pakistan will look to complete a 3–0 whitewash when they face Sri Lanka in the final ODI on November 16.
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