In the thrilling world of cricket, where records are made and broken, Pakistan's cricket sensation, Babar Azam, has achieved a remarkable feat. He secured his 10th century in T20 cricket during the Lanka Premier League (LPL), solidifying his position as one of the sport's most prolific batsmen.
This accomplishment places him in an elite league alongside West Indian cricket legend Chris Gayle, showcasing his incredible skill, dedication, and contributions to the game.
Babar Azam's Remarkable Journey
A Glimpse into Chris Gayle's Record
Before delving into Babar Azam's extraordinary achievement, it's crucial to acknowledge the towering figure of Chris Gayle in T20 cricket. Often referred to as the 'Universe Boss,' Gayle boasts an incredible 22 tons in 463 matches, holding the record for the highest individual score of 175* against Pune Warriors in IPL 2013.
His dominance in this format of the game is awe-inspiring, setting the benchmark for others to aspire to.
A Unique Milestone: Babar Azam's 10th T20 Century
Babar Azam's journey to becoming the second player in the world to reach 10 T20 centuries is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unmatched skill. His triple-digit score during the LPL is a significant milestone, not just for him but for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
This achievement places Babar Azam in an exclusive club, showcasing his prowess as one of the most consistent and exceptional T20 batsmen.
Babar Azam's T20 Centuries Across Formats
International Excellence
Babar Azam's brilliance isn't limited to domestic leagues; he has also shone brightly on the international stage. With three T20 centuries to his name, he has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure against the best bowlers from around the world. This consistency reflects his determination to excel in all formats of the game.
Vitality Blast and National T20 Cup
Babar Azam's journey of achieving milestones spans different tournaments. He showcased his T20 prowess with two centuries each in the Vitality Blast and National T20 Cup while representing Somerset and Central Punjab, respectively. These accomplishments highlight his adaptability and the impact he has in varying conditions.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Tour Matches
In the high-energy atmosphere of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar Azam left an indelible mark by scoring a century for Peshawar Zalmi. Furthermore, his century in a tour match against Leicestershire underscored his versatility and ability to perform across different settings. These achievements contribute to his well-rounded profile as a dynamic batsman.
Achieving the Unprecedented: A Historic Feat
Triple-Digit Score at LPL
During his participation in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), Babar Azam achieved an unprecedented triple-digit score, crossing the century mark for the 10th time in T20 cricket.
This remarkable accomplishment not only cemented his reputation as a boundary-hitting machine but also marked him as the fourth-ever centurion in the tournament's history, adding another feather to his cap.
The Sole Asian Cricketer with 10 T20 Centuries
Babar Azam's stellar achievement extends even further as he now holds the distinction of being the only Asian cricketer to score 10 T20 centuries. His consistency and ability to perform consistently at the highest level place him in a league of his own, setting an inspiring example for aspiring cricketers across the continent.
Babar Azam in Comparison: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli's Trailblazing Journey
While Babar Azam reigns supreme as the only Asian cricketer with 10 T20 centuries, it's noteworthy to mention the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Kohli has accumulated eight T20 centuries, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in the format. This friendly rivalry between two Asian cricketing giants adds a layer of excitement to the T20 landscape.
Babar Azam's Spectacular Century: A Detailed Look
The Thrilling Display
Babar Azam's brilliant hundred for Colombo Strikers against Gale Gladiators showcased his exceptional prowess. With a strike rate of 176.2, he mesmerized the audience with his cover drives, eight boundaries, and five maximums. This incredible display of skill and precision underscored his ability to dominate the opposition and single-handedly steer his team to victory.
A Consistent Partnership
As one of the two opening batters, Babar Azam's partnership with Pathum Nissanka during the match against Gale Gladiators was instrumental in securing a seven-wicket victory. Their 111-run partnership highlighted Babar Azam's ability to not only excel individually but also contribute significantly to his team's success.
Preparing for Greater Challenges: Babar Azam's Vision
Sharpening Skills for Major Tournaments
Participating in the LPL for the first time provided Babar Azam with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his performance ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ICC World Cup.
His strategic approach to leveraging different conditions and settings demonstrates his commitment to continuous improvement and his unwavering focus on the greater cricketing challenges that lie ahead.
