Pakistani skipper Babar Azam has become the world’s quickest batsman to score 13 centuries. He achieved a feat in the 76th innings on Friday in an ODI against South Africa.
The previous batsman to reach the hallmark was former South African player, Hashim Amla, who scored 13 centuries in the 83rd innings. Meanwhile, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and South African players Quinton De Cock took 86 innings to score 13 centuries.
In the first ODI match against South Africa, Babar Azam scored 103 of 104 balls leading Pakistan to victory against the hosts.
Let me test the cricketing gods; Babar Azam 💯 pleasee
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 2, 2021
This is Babar Azam’s second century as a captain of Pakistan’s cricket team. His first century was against Zimbabwe in November 2020.
Before the beginning of the series, Babar Azam was placed at the second spot in the ICC’s list of the best batsman. He is just 20 points away from the world’s best ODI batsman, Virat Kohli.
Read more: Babar Azam hits swashbuckling knock of 114 runs for Somerset
Babar Azam may supersede Virat Kohli if he continues to put up exceptional performances in the net few matches.
Pakistan’s batting sensation, Babar Azam, has been the mainstay of all the teams he has been representing in recent years. Whether it’s the national team, Karachi Kings, or Somerset, Babar has been scoring plenty of runs and he has already made the cricketing legends his fans with his elegant strokeplay.
Babar Azam is scoring ODI hundreds at a rapid rate ⚡ #SAvPAK
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 3, 2021
Babar Azam becomes the fastest to 13 centuries in ODI history (76 inns). Babar Azam dealing in World Records. What an absolute Champion. All Class! @babarazam258 #KingBabar👑 #Cricket #SAvPAK
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) April 2, 2021
His textbook shots, even in the shortest format, have garnered praise from not just fans, but cricket experts across the globe as well.
Read more: Babar Azam Breaks Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle & David Warner’s T20 Record
His consistency can be gauged from the fact that his batting average in T20 cricket is the highest ever in the world. Even the mighty Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle, or David Warner have averaged below him in their careers.