Babar Azam Sets New Milestone, Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record in One-Day Champions Cup
Babar Azam Sets New Milestone, Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record in One-Day Champions Cup: Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam, silenced his critics with a remarkable unbeaten century in the Champions ODI Cup in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Playing for the Stallions, captained by Mohammad Haris, Babar’s knock of 104* runs off 100 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, helped his team post an imposing total of 271 runs. This century not only powered Stallions to a dominant 174-run victory over the Dolphins but also signaled a strong comeback for the world-class batter.
Coming in at number three after Shan Masood’s dismissal for a well-played 46, Babar showcased his resilience and talent by guiding his side to a match-winning total. His innings was his 30th century in List A cricket, a significant milestone that saw him break records along the way. Babar achieved this feat in just 180 innings, surpassing India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli, who took 199 innings to reach the same mark.
Babar’s 30th century in fewer innings has now placed him ahead of Kohli and former South African great Hashim Amla, who scored 30 centuries in 225 innings. This extraordinary accomplishment reinforces Babar Azam’s status as one of the modern greats in white-ball cricket.
The Stallions’ total of 271 proved to be too much for the Dolphins, led by Saud Shakeel. Dolphins were bowled out for a mere 97 runs, resulting in a one-sided defeat by 174 runs. Babar’s innings stood out as the centerpiece of Stallions’ batting, while the bowlers, led by Wahab Riaz and Usman Qadir, dismantled Dolphins’ batting lineup with precision.
This century couldn’t have come at a better time for Babar Azam, who had been struggling with form for quite some time. His recent performance in the two-Test series against Bangladesh at home saw him fail to score a fifty. He also endured a forgettable T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the USA, a non-Test playing nation.
Babar’s return to form is not only a boost for his confidence but also for Pakistan cricket, as the captain now prepares for the upcoming Test series against England, set to begin on October 7. Fans and cricket experts will be eagerly watching to see if Babar can carry this momentum into the longer format and continue to inspire his team.
As Babar Azam’s century cements his place among the world’s best, the stage is now set for the Pakistan captain to rediscover his peak form across formats. His leadership and run-scoring abilities will be crucial for Pakistan’s success in the upcoming months, especially in the Test series against England. Babar’s latest innings is not just a personal triumph, but a signal that he’s ready to lead from the front and elevate Pakistan cricket to greater heights.
In what may be the beginning of a career resurgence, Babar Azam has reminded the world why he is considered one of the finest batters in the modern era. With 30 List A centuries under his belt, the next chapter in his remarkable journey awaits.
