On Thursday, Babar Azam cemented his place in cricketing history by becoming the first Pakistani batter to score 30 List-A centuries. The 29-year-old achieved this milestone during a Champions One-Day Cup match, where he delivered a brilliant unbeaten knock of 104 runs for Allied Bank Stallions against Engro Dolphins. Babar reached his century in just 100 balls, showcasing his skill with seven boundaries and three sixes.
This innings marked a significant comeback for Babar, who had been struggling with a slight slump in form, particularly in Test matches. His performance played a pivotal role in leading the Stallions to a strong total of 272 runs, which proved too much for the Dolphins. The Dolphins were bowled out for just 97 runs in 25 overs, with key contributions from Stallions’ bowlers Mehran Mumtaz and Jahandad Khan, who took three wickets each.
Breaking Records and Silencing Critics
Babar’s century not only secured victory for his team but also elevated him past two of Pakistan’s cricketing greats—Khurram Manzoor, who has 27 List-A centuries, and Saeed Anwar, who holds 26. This achievement has solidified Babar’s reputation as one of Pakistan’s most consistent and talented cricketers. His century also comes as a relief, silencing critics who had questioned his recent performances, particularly after the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Stallions Dominate, Dolphins Crumble
While the Stallions flourished under Babar’s leadership, the Dolphins struggled, losing wickets early and never recovering. Despite efforts from players like Yasir Khan, Shan Masood, and Tayyab Tahir, the Dolphins couldn’t get close to the target. The impressive bowling of Mumtaz and Khan ensured the Dolphins were restricted to a modest total of 97. The Stallions’ second win in three games moves them closer to the playoff stage, while the Dolphins face an uphill battle after suffering their third consecutive defeat.
