RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has credited hard work and unwavering self-belief for ending his long wait for an international hundred, after guiding Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second one-day international on Friday.
Babar struck an unbeaten 102. It was his first international century since August 2023 and his 20th in ODIs.
The win gave Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. All matches are being played in Rawalpindi.
Babar said his efforts had finally been rewarded. “Despite challenges, I continued to work hard and maintained my confidence. Allah has rewarded me for my efforts,” he said.
He thanked fans for their “motivation and confidence during difficult times.” He said their continued support had helped him stay focused.
Babar admitted that he had struggled to convert solid starts into big scores in recent months.
He said the century had “significantly boosted” his confidence. He thanked coaches Shahid Aslam and Mansoor Rana for their guidance.
"Alhamdulillah, everything came together." 🥳
An emotional Babar Azam after his much-awaited century, dedicating his success to the fans who supported him through a difficult period. pic.twitter.com/gDKWJxEwEY
— PakPassion.net (@PakPassion) November 14, 2025
Long wait ends
Statistics show how long Babar’s drought had lasted. He had gone 83 consecutive international innings without a hundred before Friday. His previous century came in August 2023, when he made 151 against Nepal in the Asia Cup.
Eighty-one of those 83 innings were played while batting in the top four. It was the second-longest century drought for a Pakistan top-order batsman. Only Mohammad Rizwan had a longer streak, with 82 innings between 2021 and 2023.
Babar’s 20 ODI centuries now equal Saeed Anwar’s tally, the joint-highest for Pakistan.
He is also the third-fastest to reach 20 ODI hundreds, doing so in 136 innings. Only South Africa’s Hashim Amla (108) and India’s Virat Kohli (133) reached the mark quicker.
Arriving at the crease after opener Saim Ayub fell for 33 in the 10th over, Babar settled quickly. He played his signature cover drives with authority. Pakistan chased down Sri Lanka’s 289-run target with eight wickets in hand.
It was their second-highest successful chase while losing two or fewer wickets. Their highest was 309 against India in 2008.
Babar has now been part of 40 century partnerships in ODIs. Only Inzamam-ul-Haq, with 41, has been involved in more for Pakistan.
Praise from Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Sadeera Samarawickrama praised Babar’s innings. He called him a “world-class player.” He said, “He got a good 100 and won the game for the team. It’s a brilliant knock.”
Samarawickrama also praised Pakistan’s security arrangements. “We are safe here, so it’s all about playing the game with a clear mindset. The environment was really nice,” he said.
He said the pitch had offered assistance to spinners such as Abrar Ahmed and Muhammad Nawaz. He added that Sri Lanka had created chances through Charith Asalanka but failed to take crucial catches.
Meanwhile, Babar advised young players to focus on consistency. He said the support of family, friends, coaches and teammates had been “invaluable.” He said his focus remained solely on cricket and that he preferred to respond to criticism through performance.
Fans cheerful
Babar’s return to form triggered jubilation among fans, who had waited more than 800 days for another international hundred.
Social media was flooded with praise. Pakistani celebrities and sports personalities, including musicians Asim Azhar, Talha Anjum and Maanu, also celebrated his landmark innings.
Many supporters called his century the beginning of a strong comeback.
The final match of the series will be played on Sunday.
