Not one, not two, not three. Not 10, 20, 30. Counting 83 innings! What a long wait Babar Azam had to wait. Finally, that wait is over. Babar got a century after waiting for 83 innings in three editions of international cricket. Just like the story of Virat Kohli! The Indian batsman also broke a drought in his career from November 23, 2019 to September 7, 2022 and scored a century after 83 innings on September 8, 2022.

Babar’s century drought began on August 31, 2023. The day before, he scored his last century against Nepal. The Pakistani batsman scored 151 runs in the group stage match of the Asia Cup. Today, on the day he scored his century after a long drought, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the second ODI of the series in Rawalpindi. They also won the first ODI in Rawalpindi. As a result, the hosts secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

After a wait of 807 days, Babar’s great moment came on the first ball of the 48th over of the innings. He completed his century with a single after pushing Pramod Madhusan’s ball towards midwicket. Mohammad Rizwan, who was on the field, hugged him. There was a flood of joy in the gallery of Rawalpindi and the Pakistan dressing room at that time.

There was uncertainty about whether the second match of the series would be held in Rawalpindi or not. After the suicide attack in Islamabad, several Sri Lankan cricketers wanted to return home. But Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir held discussions with top Sri Lankan officials. At his request, the Sri Lankan board decided to continue the tour. In view of that decision, the second ODI was postponed by a day today.

In the second ODI, Sri Lanka lost the toss and opted to bat, but could only manage 288 for 8 in 50 overs. Pakistan reached that total with 10 balls and 8 wickets in hand. Earlier, Janith Liyanage scored the highest 54 runs off 63 balls for Sri Lanka with 2 fours and 1 six. Kamindu Mendis scored the second highest 44 runs off 38 balls. Haris Rauf and Abrar Ahmed took 3 wickets each for Pakistan.

Chasing the target, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a good start. They scored 77 runs in the opening partnership in 9.4 overs. The partnership was broken when Ayub was out for 33 runs. Then Fakhar was out for 78 runs off 93 balls. After that, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan left the field with victory without conceding any more wickets. Babar, who made his 20th century in ODI cricket, remained unbeaten on 102 runs. Rizwan’s runs were 51 not out at the end of the match.

With today’s century, Babar has surpassed former opener Saeed Anwar’s record of most centuries for Pakistan. Babar’s 31 centuries across three formats is the fourth highest for Pakistan in international cricket, along with Saeed Anwar. Younis Khan has the most centuries for Pakistan in international cricket, with 41. He is followed by Mohammad Yousuf (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (35).