“Babar Azam’s Century Countdown Reaches 800 Days, Rivals Kohli’s Record”

Babar Azam’s Century Drought Hits 800 Days.

Babar Azam’s wait for an international century now stretches to 800 days after he fell for 29 in Pakistan’s ODI series opener against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi on Tuesday, November 11. The Pakistan captain struck three crisp boundaries in his 51-ball innings before Wanindu Hasaranga’s clever googly clipped the top of off-stump.

It has been 83 innings since Babar last reached three figures — a century against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023. With this, he equals Virat Kohli’s record for the most innings without a century in international cricket. Among Asian batters, only Sanath Jayasuriya had a longer wait, ending his drought after 87 innings.

Early Promise, Abrupt End

Pakistan lost Saim Ayub early to Asitha Fernando, leaving Babar to rebuild alongside Fakhar Zaman. The duo added 54 runs for the second wicket, but Hasaranga’s brilliance soon tilted the game back in Sri Lanka’s favour by claiming Babar’s wicket.

Babar’s innings started in fluent style. Against Maheesh Theekshana, he cut a short ball crisply through backward point and slashed another past point in the deep, reminding fans of his elegance and timing. As the spinners tightened, Babar’s scoring slowed, demanding patience over power. He ended a 25-ball boundary drought with a textbook straight drive past mid-on, a brief flash of class amid growing pressure.

Then Hasaranga delivered the decisive moment. A drifting googly from outside off tempted Babar forward; the ball spun sharply, clipping the top of off-stump. Stunned, Babar walked back, leaving Pakistan in a tricky position.