Babar Azam Closing in on Saeed Anwar’s ODI Century Record
Babar Azam is back in the thick of international cricket, and he’s returned with the kind of quiet confidence that’s made him one of Pakistan’s most admired batters. After nearly five months away from the field, the former captain stepped out for the first ODI against the West Indies in Tarouba, looking as though he’d never left. His 47-run knock may not have been a century, but it was a timely reminder of his class—precise strokes, calm under pressure, and a chase anchored with intent.
This comeback isn’t just about getting back into rhythm; Babar is standing on the edge of history. With 19 centuries in just 131 matches, he needs only one more to equal the great Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 ODI hundreds for Pakistan. What makes this feat even more impressive is the pace at which he’s getting there—Anwar took 247 matches to amass his 20 centuries, while Babar has reached 19 in almost half that time. If he manages a ton in the next few innings, he’ll not only draw level with Anwar but could also climb into the record books as the second-fastest player in ODI history to reach 20 centuries, potentially surpassing Virat Kohli’s 133 innings mark. Only South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who got there in 108 innings, would remain ahead.
Also Read:- Carrie Faces the Past in “And Just Like That” Before the Final Curtain
- Canyon Fire Forces Thousands to Flee North of Los Angeles
Against the West Indies, Babar also quietly ticked off another milestone—overtaking Bangladesh star Shakib Al Hasan’s career run tally across all formats. Shakib’s 14,730 international runs came in 447 matches; Babar has now moved to 14,740 in just 319 matches, with a superior average and a strike rate that reflects his consistent dominance.
Of course, there was a touch of disappointment. He fell just three runs short of another ODI fifty, missing the chance to guide the chase deeper. But debutant Hasan Nawaz ensured Pakistan comfortably reached the 281-run target, sealing a five-wicket win.
Now, all eyes turn to the next match. The storyline is clear: will Babar Azam match, or even surpass, Saeed Anwar’s iconic record before this series ends? For a batter who has built his career on elegant run-making and relentless consistency, it feels less like a matter of “if” and more like “when.” And when it does happen, it won’t just be another statistic—it will be a passing of the torch from one Pakistani legend to another, achieved in record-breaking time.
If Babar’s return innings was a preview, the real show might be just around the corner.
Read More:
0 Comments