Once again, Pakistan’s batting talisman, Babar Azam, endured heartbreak as he fell short of a century in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The former Pakistan captain was dismissed for a mere 29 by Wanindu Hasaranga, leaving fans frustrated and statistics telling a familiar story.
Babar’s struggle is now historic — he has gone 83 consecutive international innings across formats without reaching three figures, equalling the record set by India’s Virat Kohli for the second-longest century drought in international cricket. The last time Babar reached triple figures was in 2023 against Nepal. Since then, he has accumulated 20 fifties but has been unable to convert any into a century, his highest score in this period being just 81.
In the Rawalpindi ODI, Babar initially seemed poised for a substantial innings. He weathered the early bowling storm and looked to be building momentum, only to be undone by a clever googly from Hasaranga in the 24th over. Despite his personal disappointment, Pakistan managed to post a formidable 299 for 5, largely thanks to a brilliant century from Salman Ali Agha. Sri Lanka fell short in reply, scoring 293 for 9, handing Pakistan a narrow victory in the series opener.
Babar’s current drought mirrors a similar phase in Virat Kohli’s illustrious career. Between 2019 and 2022, Kohli went 83 innings without a century, waiting nearly three years to reach his 71st hundred. During that challenging period for Kohli, Babar had posted words of encouragement on social media, reminding the Indian legend that “This too shall pass. Stay strong.” Now, the tables have turned, with Babar facing the same prolonged struggle against the clock and the scoreboard.
The list of longest gaps between centuries is led by Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, who went an astonishing 88 innings without a century. Babar and Kohli are tied for second, with West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul following on 78 innings. Interestingly, Jayasuriya, now Sri Lanka’s head coach, was reportedly seen celebrating in the dugout as Babar fell short — perhaps aware that his own peculiar record remains untouchable for now.
Looking ahead, Babar will be under immense pressure to end this run in the second ODI in Rawalpindi tomorrow. Pakistan fans will be hoping that the stylish right-hander rediscovers his hallmark touch, combines patience with aggression, and finally converts one of his promising starts into the long-awaited century.