How Babar Azam’s Long-Awaited Century Means More Than Just Triple Figures

This is a great example of how some decades are celebrated like fireworks while others are welcomed back as much-needed rain after a long drought. This was the welcome for this decade, which took its sweet time to get here, 807 days, to be exact, but when it did finally show up, it was very much needed by the entire country of Pakistan.

A drought that exposed the burden of being Pakistan’s batting pillar

While statistics tell us about Babar’s story, it is the context that shows us his weight. In Babar’s century-less stretch, he played in 33 ODI innings, 26 T20I innings, and 24 Test innings – typically going in early to start an innings, going deep in the innings to help carry a team through, and being the “responsible adult” on the field. Of those 83 innings, 81 were at number one, two, three, or four, and therefore, this indicates Babar wasn’t in a slump as much as he was stuck with the burden of playing responsible cricket. While Babar could accumulate lots of runs for his country, the final flourish (a century) never seemed to come for Babar because, in many cases, Pakistan’s need for stability first, and then dominance second.

Rawalpindi showed the version Pakistan desperately missed

Babar’s 100 was an example of a masterful chaser who has been able to hunt down 289 runs for Pakistan with only the loss of two wickets, their second-highest such chase in history. Babar did not simply score; Babar orchestrated the chase as if it were a symphony, the way a conductor leads his orchestra. The process of strike rotation, the manner in which Babar absorbed pressure, and how he manipulated the field appeared to be almost effortless once again. It is as if we have seen the 2021 version of Babar, not someone who is simply playing the match, rather someone who is writing the script.

Records return, but this is really about rhythm

Most joint-hundreds in ODIs with Saeed Anwar, almost every fast hundred from seven through nineteen, now eight ODI centuries at home in thirty-one innings; none have achieved that before as a Pakistani. All of this is nothing to surprise analysts. What they were surprised by was the dry spell, not the resurgence. Babar Azam is not a statistician who defines greatness; he is a rhythmic player. He performs well when batting appears to be simple, when his style is in sync. It was the flow that returned to Rawalpindi.

Partnership magnet — Pakistan’s silent structural advantage

Babar is now second on the list of most century partnerships in Test history with 40 partnerships and 1 partnership behind Inzaman Ul Haq’s 41; however, Babar has played significantly fewer innings than Inzaman Ul Haq. Babar provides stability as the glue for Pakistan’s batting and sets the pace at which they bat. When Babar does click, everyone in the dressing room breathes a sigh of relief, and there are options available in the top order. So it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every time Babar plays a long stand, he helps create momentum for Pakistan.

If this batting display signals the beginning of the return of the free-flowing and pressure-resistant version of Babar Azam, then the white ball era for Pakistan may be entering its second stage, not with fireworks, but with precision timing.

Key Takeaway

Babar’s century wasn’t a milestone; it was a message: Pakistan plays better when he plays instinctively, not cautiously.

FAQs

1. Why was Babar Azam’s latest century considered significant?

Because it ended an 83-innings drought and signaled a return to his fluent, match-winning batting form.

2. Did Babar break any major records with this hundred?

He equalled Saeed Anwar’s Pakistan record of 20 ODI hundreds and became the fastest home-century scorer for Pakistan.

3. Was Babar out of form during the drought?

No, he scored consistently but often prioritised team stability over reaching personal milestones.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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