Babar Azam ended a 807-day wait for a century in any international format when he struck a match-winning hundred in the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Friday, securing Pakistan an unassailable lead in the three-match series.
Pakistan chased a target of 289 with eight wickets in hand and 1.4 overs to spare, with Babar unbeaten on 102 and Mohammad Rizwan on 51. Fakhar Zaman earlier provided the platform with 78 at the top of the order.
Sri Lanka posted 288 for eight from their 50 overs. Janith Liyanage led the innings with 54, while Sadeera Samarawickrama made 42 and Kamindu Mendis added 44. Haris Rauf took three for 66 and Abrar Ahmed claimed three for 41 to check Sri Lanka’s progress in the final overs.
Pakistan reached 289 for two in reply. Babar anchored the chase with a composed innings that restored his run-scoring rhythm after an extended dry spell.
It is pertinent to note that Babar has now reached his 20th ODI century, equalling the national record held by the legendary batter, Saeed Anwar. Babar reached the milestone in 136 innings, whereas Saeed Anwar required 244 innings to reach the same mark.
