Babar Azam finally ended his long wait for a century as the Pakistani star smashed a superb hundred in Rawalpindi on Friday. This was his 20th ODI ton—and his first since 2023. The 31-year-old looked visibly relieved after reaching the milestone, much like Virat Kohli when he broke his own century drought in 2022.
Interestingly, the parallels between the two modern greats were impossible to miss. Kohli had gone 83 innings without a hundred before scoring one against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. Coincidentally, Babar also ended a 83-innings gap with his century on Friday. His previous ODI ton came against Nepal during the 2023 Asia Cup.
Babar reached his hundred in the 48th over, putting Pakistan on course for a commanding win. As soon as he completed the landmark, he removed his helmet, lifted his arms, glanced toward the sky, and kissed his locket. The Rawalpindi crowd erupted in celebration for their star.
🚨 The long wait finally ends! Babar Azam brings up his century after 84 innings and over 810 days. 🔥
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) November 14, 2025
He completed his hundred in 115 balls with 8 fours against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/Hzf3gJa5Eu
This chapri Zim-Babar also copied Virat Kohli’s celebration 😭😭 https://t.co/F84jAaRpCm pic.twitter.com/ifOBl5SQ5s
— Rainbow Salt (@Rainbowsalt91) November 15, 2025
The moment felt almost identical to Kohli’s emotional celebration in Dubai two years ago, and fans online quickly drew comparisons between the two iconic moments.