Babar Azam’s wait for a century has placed him in the company of some cricketing greats
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 12nd, 2025) Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam, has tied a significant record with Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, achieving the same number of innings to score an international century.
In the opening match of Pakistan's home ODI series against Sri Lanka, Babar Azam was dismissed for 29 runs, bowled out by Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga. This marked a milestone for Babar, as he now shares a record with Kohli for taking 83 innings to register an international century. Kohli, who is widely regarded as one of the best modern-day batsmen, also scored his 2023 century after 83 innings, highlighting the challenge both players faced in achieving this feat.
Babar Azam’s wait for a century has placed him in the company of some cricketing greats. Sri Lanka’s current head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, holds the record for the longest wait, taking 88 innings to reach his first century. Meanwhile, former West Indian star Shivnarine Chanderpaul had to wait 78 innings for his first hundred.
It is important to note that Babar Azam’s last international century came during the 2023 Asia Cup, where he scored an impressive ton against Nepal. This latest match against Sri Lanka, however, added another layer to his growing legacy.
As Babar continues to perform at the top level, comparisons with players like Kohli and others are likely to spark further debates about his place in the global cricketing hierarchy.
