Babar Azam finally ended his long, scrutinised 807-day wait for an international hundred, producing an unbeaten 102 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi—a knock that not only sealed Pakistan’s eight-wicket win but also gave them an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series. The innings was vintage Babar: calm early, precise in the middle overs, and authoritative at the finish as he anchored Pakistan’s chase of 289.
This century carried emotional weight far beyond the numbers. For close to two years, Babar had been hounded by questions about form, captaincy transitions, and whether his peak had passed. When he finally reached triple figures, he didn’t celebrate wildly—he let out a long, relieved exhale, raised his bat, and allowed the moment to sink in. He later said he had “kept the belief” throughout the drought, adding that he was grateful for the chance to bat through the innings and finish the match himself.
In post-match comments, Babar acknowledged that the drought had tested him mentally. He spoke about battling internal doubts, ignoring outside noise, and repeatedly going back to the basics of training. He credited his closest mentors for their steady guidance, but he emphasised that the true breakthrough could only come from within. According to him, hard work done quietly, when the spotlight isn’t flattering, is what sustains elite players during long slumps.
His message to younger cricketers was blunt: motivation fades, but discipline must be daily. He explained that the long gap between hundreds wasn’t due to a loss of ability but due to phases of bad luck, interrupted innings, and the pressure of expectations. Yet, through every setback, he tried to trust his game and back the routine that made him world-class in the first place.
Babar’s fans received heartfelt praise as well. He said their unwavering support had been a major emotional anchor, especially when criticism was the loudest. For him, the standing ovation in Rawalpindi was not just applause for a century—it was recognition of the struggle behind it.
Statistically, the hundred was a landmark moment: it was his 20th in ODIs, pulling him level with Saeed Anwar for the most centuries by a Pakistani in the format. The efficiency of his achievement—reaching the milestone in just 136 innings—also reaffirms his position among modern cricket’s elite run-scorers.
The innings was perfectly complemented by Pakistan’s top order. Fakhar Zaman provided early fluency, and Mohammad Rizwan finished unbeaten alongside Babar, ensuring a smooth chase. But it was Babar’s calm authority that shaped the match and the series result.
This century will be remembered not just because it ended a statistical drought, but because it felt like a turning point. It signalled a resurgence of confidence, silenced months of speculation, and reaffirmed why Babar Azam remains the central figure of Pakistan cricket.
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