Pakistan captain Babar Azam has etched his name in cricket history by equaling the long-standing record of legendary batsman Saeed Anwar for the most One Day International centuries by a Pakistani batter. The monumental achievement came during Pakistan's opening match of the Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Historic Century Creates New Benchmark
Babar Azam reached this significant milestone with his 20th ODI century in his 102nd innings, showcasing his consistency and dominance in the 50-over format. The Pakistan skipper now shares the top spot with Saeed Anwar, who held the record alone for nearly two decades with his 20 centuries accumulated over 244 innings between 1989 and 2003.
The record-equaling moment came during Pakistan's comprehensive victory over Nepal by 238 runs. Babar's magnificent innings of 151 runs off 131 balls formed the backbone of Pakistan's imposing total of 342-6. His knock was particularly special as it came in front of home fans in Multan, making the occasion even more memorable.
Rapid Ascent to Cricket Greatness
What makes Babar Azam's achievement even more remarkable is the speed at which he has reached this milestone. While Saeed Anwar took 244 innings to score his 20 centuries, Babar has achieved the same feat in just 102 innings, highlighting his extraordinary batting prowess and consistency at the highest level.
The Pakistan captain now stands among the elite group of batsmen who have scored 20 or more ODI centuries. The overall record is held by Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar with 49 centuries, followed by Virat Kohli (46), and Ricky Ponting (30) among others.
Match Performance and Team Contribution
Babar Azam's record-equaling century was part of a dominant team performance that saw Pakistan start their Asia Cup campaign on a high note. Alongside Babar's 151, Iftikhar Ahmed played a crucial supporting role with his unbeaten 109 runs from 71 balls, helping Pakistan post a challenging total.
The Pakistani bowlers then complemented the batsmen's efforts by bowling out Nepal for just 104 runs in 23.4 overs. This comprehensive victory not only gave Pakistan a winning start in the tournament but also provided the perfect platform for Babar to create history.
This achievement solidifies Babar Azam's position as one of the modern greats of ODI cricket and marks another chapter in Pakistan's rich cricketing legacy. With the World Cup approaching, this form bodes well for Pakistan's chances in the global tournament.
