Stats: Babar Azam becomes the third-fastest batter to 12 ODI centuries

There’s no stopping Babar Azam. The Lahore-born, after his debut in 2015, has gone from strength to strength, racking up runs at will and hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. He has become dominant to the extent that Pakistan appointed him as the ODI and T20I skipper. He is currently plying his trade in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

In the opening ODI, he missed out, getting out cheaply. But then, he made up for the failure with a half-century in the second game. In the third match, which also happened to be a dead-rubber, he put his best foot forward, showing the damage he can do when in his full flow. The right-hander came to bat at a stage when the home team were in dire straits, chasing 279 in their 50 overs.

In the 18th over, Pakistan were reduced to 88 runs for the loss of five wickets. Babar didn’t lose his cool and notched his half-century. From there on, he carried forward his knock. The batter got to his century, helping Pakistan get closer to the target. He also shared a partnership of 100 runs along with Wahab Riaz, who smashed 52 off 56 balls with the help of three fours and as many sixes.

Babar eventually scored 125 runs at exactly a run-a-ball with 13 fours and one six. He got out to Blessing Muzarabani in the penultimate over of Pakistan’s run-chase. Once the youngster got out, it was Mohammad Musa Khan, who hit a couple of fours and took the match to the Super Over. Nevertheless, Babar showed why he’s regarded as one of the best batters in world cricket currently.

Babar Azam enters an elite list

In the meantime, with the stupendous knock, Babar entered a unique list. He is currently the third fastest batsman to get 12 ODI centuries and he accomplished the feat in 75 innings. Overall, the record is held by Australia’s Meg Lanning, who got the feat in 68 innings. In men’s cricket, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has the record, having mustered the same in a mere 74 innings.

Fastest to 12 ODI tons: