Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli, and becomes fastest player to score 19 centuries in ODIs

Babar Azam has the highest average among batters with at least 2000 runs, surpassing Virat Kohli's (57.32) in this format.

Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli, and becomes fastest player to score 19 centuries in ODIs

Babar Azam and Virat Kohli (Image via NDTV)

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s prominent batsman, exhibited his incredible skills during their Asia Cup opener against Nepal and achieved an international cricket milestone. At the Multan Cricket Stadium on August 30th, Babar secured his 19th ODI century, boasting the fastest-ever achievement of this feat in ODIs, which was previously held by exemplary cricketers Hashim Amla and Virat Kohli. Babar took only 109 balls in achieving this century, solidifying his reputation as a remarkably gifted player.

Babar Azam‘s exceptional form shone through as Pakistan claimed victory and chose to lead off with their batting. Fakhar Zaman and Imam Haq fell early, yet Babar and Mohammad Rizwan formed an impressive partnership that ultimately amassed 86 runs. With Iftikhar Ahmad by his side, Babar sustained his influence and even contributed to Iftikhar’s half-century. This dynamic duo banded together, surpassing the 100-run mark and propelling Pakistan to a dominant position. Shaheen just picked up two wickets, and Babar has become the first captain to score 150 in the Asia Cup.

https://youtu.be/pmko3m6cKAI?si=syNCCyePifKj0kWL

With the Asia Cup returning to Pakistan for the first time in 15 years, the significance of the match increased, and Babar’s outstanding performance heightened anticipation. Babar’s century paved the way for Pakistan to face a confident Nepal team in their Asia Cup debut as they host Sri Lanka in a mixed format. Babar’s masterclass predicts well for Pakistan’s tournament debut and demonstrates his status as one of cricket’s most extraordinary talents.

Related: “Is he trying to fly or what?”- Fans react to Mohammad Rizwan’s costly error that got him run out against Nepal during Asia Cup

Babar Azam’s career stats in ODI cricket

Babar Azam
Babar Azam (Image via ESPN)

Babar Azam has played a total of 104 matches in the ODI format in which he has scored 5353 runs collectively. He has maintained an excellent strike rate of 89.40 while averaging at 59.48. The highest score Babar has ever scored was 158 against England at Edgbaston in 2021. Babar Azam’s ODI career stats include 19 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

Babar Azam has the highest average among batters with at least 2000 runs, surpassing Virat Kohli’s (57.32) in this format. Babar’s 151-run inning against Nepal is the second-highest score as well.

In case you missed!