Babar Azam Eyes ODI Glory as Pakistan Clash With WI

As Pakistan faces West Indies today in the first One-Day International (ODI) of a three-match series, all eyes are on Babar Azam. The 30-year-old star batter is on the verge of achieving two major Babar Azam ODI milestones, both of which would place him among the greatest batters in Pakistan’s cricket history.

Match Set for Brian Lara Academy

The series kicks off at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The first ODI will begin at 11:00pm Pakistan Standard Time. Pakistan enters the contest with momentum, but the spotlight remains on Babar, who is chasing legendary records.

One Century Away From Saeed Anwar’s Record

Babar is just one century short of equaling Saeed Anwar’s record for most ODI hundreds by a Pakistani. Anwar scored 20 centuries over the course of 247 matches and 244 innings.

In contrast, Babar has already reached 19 centuries in only 131 matches and 128 innings — a staggering achievement that underscores his dominance in modern-day cricket. One more ton, and he will sit alongside Anwar at the top.

Pakistan’s Top ODI Century-Makers

Here’s a quick look at where Babar stands among the greats:

• Saeed Anwar – 20 centuries in 247 matches

• Babar Azam – 19 centuries in 131 matches

• Mohammad Yousuf – 15 centuries in 281 matches

• Fakhar Zaman – 11 centuries in 82 matches

• Mohammad Hafeez – 11 centuries in 218 matches

This shows how efficient and consistent Babar has been throughout his career, especially when compared to players with far longer careers.

Read: England Poised for Thrilling Victory in Final Test

Closing in on Fastest to 20 ODI Tons

Beyond national records, Babar is also targeting an international milestone. If he scores another century within his next four innings, he will become the second-fastest player in ODI history to reach 20 centuries.

Currently, Indian star Virat Kohli holds that spot with 20 centuries in 133 innings. Babar, with 19 in 128, is just five innings away from beating him.

However, South Africa’s Hashim Amla remains the fastest to 20 ODI hundreds, reaching the mark in just 108 innings.

Fastest Players to 20 ODI Centuries

• Hashim Amla – 108 innings

• Virat Kohli – 133 innings

• AB de Villiers – 175 innings

• Rohit Sharma – 183 innings

If Babar breaks into this elite group, he will not only cement his reputation as Pakistan’s top ODI batter but also reinforce his global status.

The Stakes for Babar and Pakistan

This series against the West Indies offers more than just team glory. It presents Babar Azam with a golden opportunity to etch his name deeper into cricketing history. With the ICC Champions Trophy and World Cup qualification races heating up, this series could provide vital match practice and confidence for Pakistan’s top order.

For Babar personally, the timing couldn’t be better. His form has remained consistent despite stepping down from captaincy earlier this year, and he’s eager to silence critics who questioned his leadership impact on performance.

Why This Matters

Babar’s potential to equal and even surpass two massive records in just one series adds a layer of excitement. Fans around the world, especially in Pakistan, are watching closely.

In an era where cricket is often defined by franchise leagues and rapid formats, Babar’s chase of traditional milestones stands out. It reminds fans why ODIs still matter — they offer a platform for class, patience, and dominance to shine.

Today’s game may be just the beginning of the series, but for Babar Azam, it could be a defining chapter in a legendary career.

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