Babar Azam and Virat Kohli Tied After 800 Days as Century Drought Continues

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s quest for an international century stretched to 800 days after he was dismissed for 29 runs in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, November 11. Facing 51 deliveries, Babar struck three stylish boundaries before being deceived by Wanindu Hasaranga’s googly.

The last time Babar reached triple figures was during the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal – a knock that now seems distant. Since then, he has gone 83 innings without a century, equaling Virat Kohli’s record for the most innings without reaching three figures in international cricket. Among Asian batters, Sanath Jayasuriya still leads with an 87-innings drought before breaking his dry spell.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Match Updates

After being invited to bat first, Pakistan suffered an early blow as Saim Ayub fell cheaply to Asitha Fernando. Babar then joined Fakhar Zaman at the crease, rebuilding the innings with a steady 54-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Sri Lanka’s spin ace Wanindu Hasaranga once again tilted the game in his team’s favor, removing Babar and ending Pakistan’s recovery effort.

Despite the long wait, many in the cricketing fraternity continue to back Babar. Recently, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson commented, “Babar Azam is not out of form at all; he’s in extremely good form.” His words reflect the general sentiment that Pakistan’s captain is still timing the ball well, even if the big scores have momentarily eluded him.

“Just 804 days and 83 innings without a hundred and people easily forget how consistent he has been.” – ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket), November 11, 2025

Babar Azam’s Dismissal: A Moment of Brilliance from Hasaranga

Babar Azam’s innings was another demonstration of his trademark poise, precision, and elegance – until Hasaranga’s brilliance ended it abruptly. The Pakistani captain began fluently, timing the ball beautifully against Maheesh Theekshana. He opened his account with two gorgeous boundaries – first, a crisp cut through backward point, followed by a flashing square drive that sped past the fielder at deep point.

However, once the Sri Lankan bowlers tightened their lines, the scoring rate slowed considerably. Showing patience and control, Babar managed to break a 25-ball boundary drought with a majestic straight drive off Janith Liyanage, reaffirming his class even under pressure.

Just when Babar seemed set to anchor Pakistan’s innings, Hasaranga delivered a game-changing delivery. A well-flighted googly drifted in from outside off, luring Babar into a defensive prod. The ball spun sharply, sneaking through the gate and clipping the top of the off-stump – a near-perfect dismissal that could deceive even the world’s best batters.

The crowd at Rawalpindi fell silent for a brief moment as Babar looked back in disbelief before walking off. The dismissal left Pakistan in a tricky position, and the skipper’s wait for a century – now stretching over two years and 83 innings – continues.