Babar Azam expressed immense gratitude and a sense of relief following the conclusion of his 807-day century drought during Pakistan’s dominant eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the second ODI.
Reflecting on his remarkable unbeaten 102 off 119 deliveries that secured the series win for his side, Babar credited his dedicated fans for their unwavering support, emphasizing the significant boost it provided him with. He commended the Pakistani supporters for their steadfast loyalty during his challenging times, acknowledging that true allies reveal themselves during adversity.
Despite acknowledging that he had been getting decent starts in previous series, Babar admitted his struggle to convert those beginnings into substantial scores. He highlighted the crucial partnerships he formed during the match, particularly with Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, attributing their success to meticulous game plans and his unwavering self-belief.
Speaking candidly about the mental toll of his lean patch, Babar admitted to the tough times he endured, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and unwavering faith in one’s abilities. Stressing the significance of self-belief over external validation, he encouraged aspiring cricketers to prioritize consistency and dedication in their daily endeavors.
Babar’s century not only secured a pivotal victory but also etched his name in the record books, marking his 20th ODI hundred and placing him on par with Saeed Anwar for the most centuries by a Pakistani in this format.