Babar Azam, the illustrious captain of the Pakistan cricket team, last donned the mantle of a centurion on August 30, 2023, in an ODI match against Nepal. The match, held in Multan, saw Babar Azam amassing a formidable 151 runs off just 131 balls. This innings was not just a testament to his batting prowess but also a significant moment for Pakistan as they kicked off the Asia Cup with a dominant performance. His century was laced with elegance and aggression, showcasing his ability to adapt and dominate in different conditions, even against a relatively weaker opponent. The knock was especially crucial as it set a high bar for the team’s performance in the ongoing tournament, offering a glimpse of what Babar Azam brings to the table when in form.
Babar Azam last Test century –
Babar Azam’s journey in Test cricket has been one of consistent performance, with nine centuries and 26 half-centuries in his 54 matches. However, the last time he crossed the three-figure mark in this format was December 2022. In a match against New Zealand in Karachi, Babar Azam scored a vital 161, which played a significant role in salvaging a draw for Pakistan in a testing encounter. This innings was not just about the runs but also about the resilience and strategic play that Babar Azam is known for, especially in conditions that are familiar to him.
Throughout his Test career, Babar has displayed his class against various oppositions. Here’s a look at his Test centuries:
127 not out against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on November 24, 2018, which resulted in a win for Pakistan. This innings was a coming-of-age moment for Babar Azam, establishing him as a force in Test cricket.
104 against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane, on November 21, 2019, in a losing cause. This century was particularly notable as it came on one of the toughest pitches for batsmen, showcasing Babar’s ability to tackle pace and bounce.
102 not out against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on December 11, 2019, leading to a draw. His innings here was a blend of patience and poise, anchoring the innings when it mattered.
100 not out against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium, Karachi, on December 19, 2019, where Pakistan clinched a victory. This was another demonstration of Babar’s skill in converting starts into significant scores.
143 against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on February 7, 2020, securing a win. This knock was crucial in establishing Pakistan’s dominance in the series.
196 against Australia at the National Stadium, Karachi, on March 12, 2022, which ended in a draw. This innings is one of his finest, played under pressure, helping Pakistan to avoid defeat.
119 against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium on July 16, 2022, leading Pakistan to victory. This was a masterclass in batting, especially in the subcontinental conditions.
136 against England at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on December 1, 2022, although in a losing effort. This century was a highlight in a series where Pakistan’s batting was under scrutiny.
161 against New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Arena, Karachi, on December 26, 2022, which was his last Test century to date. This innings was a blend of defense and attack, crucial for drawing the match.
Babar Azam’s record in Test cricket underscores his importance to Pakistan, not just as a player but as a leader whose performances often dictate the team’s fortunes. His ability to score big when it counts has made him one of the most respected batsmen of his era. However, since his last Test century, fans and critics alike have been waiting with bated breath for him to replicate that magic, keeping the cricket world hopeful for more of Babar’s masterful centuries.
