After 800 days of drought, Babar Azam finally hits ton, equals Saeed Anwar’s elusive record | Cricket News
Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 102 runs off 119 balls, leading Pakistan to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Friday’s one-day international match in Rawalpindi. The win secured Pakistan an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, which was briefly in doubt after a suicide bombing in Islamabad on Tuesday killed 12 people outside a court.Pakistan successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 288-8, reaching 289-2 in 48.2 overs. The series was initially uncertain as Sri Lankan players considered leaving the country following the bombing, but Sri Lanka Cricket directed the team to continue after receiving security assurances from the Pakistan Cricket Board.The century marked Babar’s first international hundred in more than two years and 806 days, ending a gap of 83 innings across formats since his last century against Nepal in the Asia Cup at Multan in August 2023.“I had been waiting for this century like the fans. I kept the belief up. I got starts in a few games against South Africa too but you only get what you wished when God wants you to. I was trying to spend as much time at the crease,” Babar said.The Pakistani batting performance was dominant, with opener Fakhar Zaman scoring 78 and Saim Ayub contributing 33 runs in a strong opening partnership of 77 runs off 58 balls.“It’s a complete batting performance from us. We had three very good partnerships. It was a 320-330 wicket for us so I was very happy to keep them to 290,” said stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha.Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 51 off 54 balls, forming a crucial 112-run partnership with Babar to secure the victory. Babar’s century, his 20th in ODIs, equaled Saeed Anwar’s Pakistan ODI record.Sri Lanka’s innings started promisingly with Kamil Mishara (27) and Pathum Nissanka (24) putting on 51 runs during the batting powerplay. However, Nissanka’s run-out attempting a third run disrupted their momentum.Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, returning from illness, claimed three wickets, dismissing Mishara, Kusal Mendis, and captain Charith Asalanka, reducing Sri Lanka to 98-4 in the 22nd over.Sadeera Samarawickrama (42) and Janith Liyanage (54) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 61-run partnership before Haris Rauf dismissed Samarawickrama.Rauf, following his four-wicket performance in the first ODI, took 3-66, including the crucial wicket of Kamindu Mendis (44) in the final overs. Wanindu Hasaranga‘s quick 37 off 26 balls helped Sri Lanka reach their final total.“A lot of wides and extras in the first two overs. It’s really hard to come back on these wickets. After 10-15 overs dew came and things got harder,” Sri Lankan captain Asalanka said.The third and final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday. The wet conditions due to dew affected Sri Lanka’s bowling performance, particularly their seamers who struggled to control the ball, while spinner Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless, conceding 35 runs.
