Babar Azam Centuries

Babar Azam has grown immensely in Test cricket in the last three years (Twitter)

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam is more than just a cricketer; he's a phenomenon, who commands the crease with his extraordinary skill and elegance. As the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, he has led by example, showcasing an impeccable understanding of the game.

But what sets him apart is his batting skills, particularly his ability to score centuries with a consistency that mirrors the legends of the game. His centuries, a collection of exceptional knocks is proof of his sheer brilliance.

Let’s take a detailed look into Babar's cricketing journey and his international centuries, each of which stands as a milestone in his celebrated career.

The Incredible Journey of Babar Azam Centuries

Babar Azam's Record-Breaking Centuries

In the international arena, where pressure is immense and dreams are endless, Babar's bat has danced to a rhythm all its own. From the restrained elegance in ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2017 to the fierce energy of his T20I century against South Africa in 2021, each ton reveals a facet of his complex character.

His Test century against Australia in their backyard at The Gabba in 2019 was not just a mark of individual brilliance but a declaration of boldness and a refusal to bow to the challenge. The standing ovation that greeted him was a salute to a new icon in cricket.

It's a hunger fed not by the pursuit of mere numbers but by a deeper thirst to be the very best in the business.

Comprehensive List of Babar Azam Centuries

Babar Azam Test Centuries

Babar Azam ODI Centuries

Babar Azam T20I Centuries

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Babar’s Consistency and Adaptability in Different Formats

The Babar Azam centuries across different formats showcase a player of supreme skill, adaptability, and consistency. Whether in the traditional Test format, where patience and technique are paramount, or the thrilling rush of T20 cricket, the right-hander's ability to adjust his game is exceptional.

In Tests, his centuries reflect a solid understanding of pacing an innings, knowing when to attack, and when to defend. His adaptability shines in ODIs, where he has sharply combined aggression with subtlety, scoring runs quickly without taking unnecessary risks.

The T20 format has revealed his capacity to explode into action, displaying a range of power-hitting combined with graceful strokes.

What sets Babar apart is not just his ability to score centuries in all formats but the consistency with which he does it. Whether playing at home or away, against spin or seam, Babar's technique has proven to be both robust and inventive.

In the face of varied bowling attacks, different pitch conditions, and ever-changing game dynamics, the Babar Azam centuries stand as an attestation to a player who is not only talented but also deeply aware of the game's nuances. His brilliance lies in his ability to mould his game according to the situation, a trait that marks him as one of the modern-day cricketing greats.

Babar Azam's Magnificent Centuries in ODI and Test Cricket

The Brilliance of Babar Azam's ODI Centuries

ODI cricket has seen a cornucopia of talent from across the globe. However, among them, Babar stands out as one of the most influential batters in recent times. He has been a stalwart for Pakistan in the ODI format, infusing the team's batting lineup with stability, reliability, and a touch of class.

His journey in ODI cricket is filled with numerous centuries that have not only rewritten record books but also injected vitality into Pakistan's batting. His consistency and ability to stay composed under pressure have made him a linchpin around which the team's batting revolves.

Babar Azam ODI Records and Achievements

• Fourth Highest Average: 56.72 in 100 matches (5089 runs)
• Second-fastest Pakistani to 1000 runs (21 innings)
• Joint-fastest to 2000 runs (45 innings)
• Fastest Asian to 3000 runs (68 innings)
• Fastest to 5000 Runs (97 innings)
• Most runs in first 25 innings (1306 runs)
• First Pakistani to win ODI Player of the Year Award
• Second-most ODI centuries (17) for Pakistan
• Only cricketer with 5 consecutive centuries in a single country (UAE)
• Fastest to 7 ODI centuries (33 innings)
• Most runs for Pakistan in a single World Cup edition (474 runs in 2019)
• Fastest captain to reach 1000 ODI runs (13 innings)
• Only batter with 3 consecutive ODI centuries – twice
• Fastest to score 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 19 ODI hundreds

Babar's Impact on Pakistan's Performance

The Babar Azam centuries have not merely been aesthetic knocks; they have significantly contributed to Pakistan's successes in the ODI arena.

Match-winning knocks: His hundreds have often turned the tides in Pakistan's favour, converting potential losses into thrilling victories.

Consistency: His reliable batting at the top of the order has provided stability to the Pakistani batting lineup, making him a dependable pillar.

Leadership and inspiration: As the captain, Babar's performances have inspired the younger generation and set a benchmark for excellence within the team.

Global recognition: His continuous excellence has not only made him an essential asset for Pakistan but has also put him among the top ranked ODI batsmen in the world.

Masterful Test Centuries by Babar Azam

Babar has played some significant innings in Test cricket, showcasing his class and finesse. His centuries against various teams, including some in difficult overseas conditions, have reinforced his status as a world-class player.

For instance, his century against Australia (104) in Brisbane during the 2019-2020 series was a defining moment in his Test career, where he showed resilience against a potent bowling attack. His performance against Sri Lanka (119) in July 2022, where he scored important runs, further highlighted his skill and temperament.

Notable Babar Azam Test Records

• Top Test Scorer for Pakistan in 2018, 2019 2020 & 2022 (most runs overall)
• Most runs scored by a Pakistani batter in the last innings of a Test - 196 vs. Australia, Karachi 2022
• Most deliveries faced in the 4th innings of a Test - 425 vs. Australia, Karachi 2022.

Babar Azam’s Technique

Batting stance and grip: Babar's batting stance is balanced and solid. He stands tall, with his feet shoulder-width apart and has a grip that allows him flexibility in playing both the front and back foot shots.

Footwork: One of the standout features of Babar's flawless technique is his footwork. He moves his feet quickly and decisively, allowing him to get into optimal positions to play shots on both sides of the wicket. This agility enables him to exploit gaps in the field and counter quality bowling.

Shot selection: Babar has a wide range of shots in his arsenal, from elegant drives to assertive pulls. His cover drive is particularly pleasing to the eye. He is not afraid to go aerial but is generally seen to favour ground strokes in Tests, reflecting his risk-averse approach in the longer format.

Adaptation: Babar's technique allows him to adapt to different conditions. He's proficient against both pace and spin, and his ability to adjust to various pitches and weather conditions is one of the hallmarks of his batting.

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Babar Azam’s Temperament

Concentration: Babar's ability to maintain concentration for long periods is a key to his success in Test cricket. His patience and focus allow him to build an innings gradually and capitalize on bad deliveries.

Composure: Even under pressure, Babar remains composed and rarely appears flustered. This strong mentality helps him to excel in challenging situations, where others might falter.

Innings building: Babar's ability to pace his innings and understand when to accelerate or slow down is an evidence of his cricketing intelligence. He reads the game situation well and plays accordingly.

Leadership: As captain of the Pakistani team, Babar's temperament also extends to leadership. His calm and composed nature often radiates to the team, and his success with the bat often translates into success for his team.

Babar Azam - The T20 Century King

How Babar excels in the fast-paced T20 format?

Babar's technique stands unmatched. His ability to perfectly time shots, whether they be aggressive drives or delicate touches, has made him a class apart. He has not only excelled in international T20 cricket but also in domestic leagues around the world.

The elegant batter has not just broken records; he has set new standards. Reaching personal milestones and team victories at breakneck speed, he has scripted his name in T20 history books.

Babar’s Exceptional Performance in T20 Cricket: Top 5 Knocks

122 off 59 v South Africa, Centurion, 2021: Babar's blistering 122 from 59 balls guided Pakistan to the brink of victory against South Africa. After reaching 50 in 27 balls, he continued his assault, eventually dismissed with only 7 needed for the win. Pakistan chased the 204 total with 2 overs to spare.

110 off 66 v England, Karachi, 2022: Babar’s unbeaten 110 from 66 balls at home led Pakistan to a 10-wicket victory over England. Chasing 200, his century, culminating with a cover-driven four, celebrated a dominant win, marking his second T20I hundred.

97 off 58 v West Indies, Karachi, 2018: In 2018, Babar struck 97* from 58 balls against West Indies. A young Babar hit 13 fours and a six, anchoring Pakistan to 205/3, setting up a comfortable win with a strong bowling performance.

79 off 53 v New Zealand, Christchurch, 2022: Facing New Zealand's renowned bowlers, Babar's patient 79* from 53 balls led Pakistan from 37/2 to a six-wicket win. His cool-headed approach and strategic play saw Pakistan through to victory in the 19th over.

68 off 52 v India, Dubai, 2021: Babar's composed 68* off 52 balls, partnered with Rizwan's aggressiveness, led Pakistan to their historic first T20 World Cup win over India. His knock, capped with the winning runs, made an unforgettable contribution to the famous victory.

Notable Babar Azam T20 Records

• Fastest to reach 1000, 2000 and 2500 T20I runs
• Joint fastest to 3000 T20I runs alongside Virat Kohli
• Longest-reigning No.1 ranked T20I batter
• Second-most T20I hundreds (3)

Unveiling the Records - Babar Azam Centuries Against Various Teams

Dominating Performances - Babar Azam's Centuries Against Different Teams

Babar Azam has notched centuries in international cricket while playing against eight countries: Australia, England, Zimbabwe, West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Bangladesh. However, he has not yet reached a century against India, Afghanistan, Hong Kong, and Ireland.

The breakdown of Babar Azam's centuries based on the opponent in international cricket is as follows:

In ODIs Babar Azam's highest number of centuries has been against the West Indies, with a total of five.

In Test matches, he has scored the most centuries against Sri Lanka (3)

In T20Is, he has scored one century each while playing against South Africa, England, and New Zealand.

Babar Azam Centuries by Opponents

Tests

ODI

T20I

FAQs About Babar Azam Centuries