RAWALPINDI: Pakistan coach Mike Hesson was convinced long before Babar Azam’s exploits on Friday that the batting mainstay was in top form.
After Pakistan clinched the One Day International series over South Africa last weekend, Hesson had predicted that Babar would soon score big.
Six days later, Babar forced an end to an innings drought of 83 centuries in all formats by scoring an unbeaten 102 to guide Pakistan to another ODI series triumph as the hosts recorded an eight-wicket victory in the second game of their series against Sri Lanka at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
More appropriately, Mohammad Rizwan was by Babar’s side as the 31-year-old sank to the ground in prostration and celebration after completing his 20th ODI ton.
The duo, who have carried Pakistan’s batting for so long, registered their 17th 100-run partnership across all formats and their bond was demonstrated when Rizwan, who scored a half-century, raised his arm in celebration as Babar completed the run that took him to the three-figure mark.
“We had planned how we were going to undertake the chase,” Rizwan would later say in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, alongside Babar. “But the most important thing is that we were planning how we could ensure that he reaches his century. It is very important for the team, so it is crucial that he regains his best form.”
The crowd was ecstatic as the ‘Riz-Bar’ duo helped the home team reach the target of 289 runs with their first century partnership in almost a year.
Rizwan reported that the duo had “subtracted one from the equation” and were looking to finish the game in the 49th over.
“Every time we launch a great partnership, it becomes memorable,” Babar reflected.
During his century-long drought, Babar had batted 33 times in ODIs, 26 times in T20Is and 24 times in Tests. “I was starting, but I wasn’t turning them into big scores,” he added.
In the post-match press conference, Babar talked about maintaining self-confidence.
“It was a difficult time,” he said. “But I tried to back myself as much as possible. I worked on the things I felt needed improvement: my fitness, my batting, everything.
“In the end, it is about belief. As a cricketer, these phases come in your life, but you have to follow your plan every day. In the end, the reward comes.”
Even the opposition hailed his century.
“We wanted to get him out early but we couldn’t,” lamented Sri Lanka batsman Sadeera Samawickrama in the post-match press conference. “He scored a good hundred and won the match for his team. He is a world-class player and it was a brilliant knock.”
With Babar returning to his best, Pakistan will look to secure a series sweep in the third and final ODI on Sunday.
For Sri Lanka, Friday’s defeat ended their hopes of a fourth consecutive ODI series win.
“We didn’t take our chances today and we would like to play some good cricket in the last match,” Samarawickrama said.
Published in Dawn, November 16, 2025
