Babar Azam stands on the brink of making history for Pakistan. He enters the first ODI against West Indies in Trinidad with 19 centuries, just one shy of Saeed Anwar’s long-standing national record of 20.
If Babar secures a century in any of the three matches, he will level Anwar’s record. Moreover, he may also become the fastest in ODI history from Pakistan to reach 20 hundreds. Anwar took 244 innings to set the mark, while Babar has done it in just 128, making him the fastest Pakistani to that feat.
But that’s not all. Across all players globally, Hashim Amla of South Africa still holds the fastest-to-20-hundreds record at 108 innings. India’s Virat Kohli follows at 133. If Babar reaches the milestone within his next four innings, he will surpass Kohli and claim the second-fastest spot on the all-time list.
Strategy and Team Dynamics Around the Milestone
Pakistan team’s opening plans hold key importance for Babar Azam in this particular series. The Pakistan team management must decide whether to promote Babar to open or retain him at his preferred middle-order position, with Fakhar Zaman sidelined by injury.
Former coach Mike Hesson reportedly suggested that Babar consider wicketkeeping as an additional skill to reinforce his opening case. Hesson later downplayed the comments. Still, the speculation underscores Pakistan’s focus on crafting a lineup that harnesses Babar’s form while expanding his utility.
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Babar is at No. 2 in the ICC ODI rankings, and this brings consistency and class to his every game. His return after a brief break has further strengthened the top order of Pakistan, whether with or without a formal wicketkeeping role.
The Significance of a Century in Trinidad
In addition to being a personal accomplishment, breaking the record might help Pakistan’s batting lineup remain stable during this West Indies tour and beyond. A quick century might boost team confidence and quickly turn the tide in Pakistan’s favor.
Additionally, by showcasing Babar against international standards like Amla and Kohli, it elevates Pakistan’s stature in ODI cricket.
Reaching the milestone in difficult international circumstances would enhance Babar’s standing as one of the most graceful and durable ODI hitters of his generation.
What Pakistan and Fans Expect
There is certainly more enthusiasm at every encounter. While teammates get ready to support Babar, fans await his innings and analysts search for momentous moments. Managing Babar’s workload and placing him in scenarios that optimize his scoring potential are key components of Pakistan’s plan. Whether he opens or bats No. 4, all eyes remain on his bat.
As he stands one century away from Pakistan’s all-time ODI record—and possibly one hundred away from breaking into elite global speed records—Babar Azam’s next few innings promise to define his legacy.
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