Series Begins in Trinidad
The three-match One Day International (ODI) series between Pakistan and the West Indies begins today at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. For Pakistan’s star batter and skipper, Babar Azam, the series offers more than just team glory — it could cement his place in the history books.
Closing in on Saeed Anwar’s Century Record
At 30 years old, Babar Azam stands just one century away from equaling — and potentially surpassing — a national record that has stood for more than two decades. Legendary opener Saeed Anwar scored 20 ODI centuries in 247 matches during his career.
Babar, with 19 centuries in only 131 matches, has the opportunity to become Pakistan’s highest ODI century-maker. Should he score a hundred in the coming matches, he will surpass Anwar to claim the record outright.
Pakistan’s Top ODI Century Scorers
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Saeed Anwar – 20 centuries (247 matches)
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Babar Azam – 19* centuries (131 matches)
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Mohammad Yousuf – 15 centuries (281 matches)
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Fakhar Zaman – 11 centuries (82 matches)
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Mohammad Hafeez – 11 centuries (218 matches)
Babar’s rapid accumulation of hundreds has already placed him among the modern greats. His consistency and ability to adapt across conditions make him a standout in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Eyeing Virat Kohli’s “Fastest to 20 Centuries” Mark
Beyond national honours, Babar is also in contention for an elite international milestone. If he scores his 20th century within the next four innings, he will overtake Virat Kohli as the second-fastest batter to reach the landmark in ODI cricket.
Kohli achieved his 20th century in 133 innings, while Babar has so far played 131 innings. Only South African opener Hashim Amla reached the mark faster — in just 108 innings.
Fastest Batters to 20 ODI Centuries
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Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 108 innings
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Virat Kohli (India) – 133 innings
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AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 175 innings
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Rohit Sharma (India) – 183 innings
A successful chase of this record would further strengthen Babar’s claim to be among the most prolific run-scorers of the modern game. Around the cricketing world, other batters are also rewriting history — for instance, Shubman Gill’s record-breaking double century against England in Birmingham has drawn global attention.
A Key Series for Pakistan
While Babar’s personal milestones are in the spotlight, the series against the West Indies carries broader significance for Pakistan. It offers valuable match practice ahead of upcoming ICC events and provides an opportunity to climb the ODI rankings.
The Brian Lara Cricket Academy — known for its batting-friendly pitches — could favor Pakistan’s top order. However, the West Indies’ aggressive style and home advantage will test the visitors’ adaptability.
Off the Field: A Lighter Moment
Ahead of the series, Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah made headlines for a different reason. During a rain spell in Lahore, the two cricketers were spotted playing like children, splashing water and laughing in the downpour.
A video of the light-hearted moment quickly went viral on social media, offering fans a glimpse of the camaraderie within the Pakistan squad.
The Road Ahead
For Babar Azam, the series presents a dual challenge — leading his side to victory while chasing personal milestones that could redefine his legacy. Cricket fans across Pakistan, and indeed around the world, will be watching closely.
Whether or not the records fall, his performances will play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the series — and perhaps in writing the next chapter of Pakistan’s cricketing history.
