Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli in elite list, breaks Hashim Amla’s record with 19th ODI ton in Asia Cup opener

After leading Pakistan to a memorable series victory over Afghanistan, Babar Azam was in an unstoppable mode as the Men in Green commenced their Asia Cup 2023 campaign on Wednesday. Hosting the continental tournament after a long hiatus of 15 years, Babar’s Pakistan faced off against Nepal for the first time in international cricket at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Taking charge of the batting lineup in the scorching heat of Multan, Babar showcased his exceptional skills and played a stroke-filled innings to help Pakistan set a formidable total.

In the thrilling Asia Cup opener, the cricketing sensation Babar Azam unleashed his batting prowess and etched his name in history by smashing his 19th century in the One Day International (ODI) format. Babar, who reached the milestone in the 42nd over, has now surpassed the likes of Virat Kohli, Hashim Amla, David Warner, and AB de Villiers in an exclusive club. With 19 ODI centuries in just 102 innings, Babar has firmly established himself as one of the greatest batsmen of modern time.

Babar Azam has broken Amla’s record by scoring his 19th ODI century during the opening match of the Asia Cup 2023. Amla had achieved the same feat in 104 innings, while former India captain Kohli reached his 19th ODI century in his 124th innings. Warner completed 19 ODI centuries in 139 innings, and De Villiers achieved the same milestone in his 171st innings.

After reaching his historic century, Babar continued his aggressive batting in the 50-over contest. The talented batsman hit a one-handed six off Gulsan Jha in the 43rd over, showcasing his exceptional skills. In the 29th over, Babar was given a lifeline when he was dropped by Karan KC. This was the first time in his ODI career that Babar hit three consecutive sixes. In the same over, he also completed his eighth fifty-plus score in 12 ODIs.

Teaming up with middle-order batsman Iftikhar Ahmed, Babar scored his second 150 in ODI cricket, with a brilliant knock of 151 runs. This is the second-highest individual score by a Pakistan captain in ODI cricket, with his highest being 158 runs against England at Edgbaston in 2021. Babar and Iftikhar formed an outstanding partnership of 214 runs in the Asia Cup opener. Their centuries, with Babar scoring 151 and Iftikhar remaining unbeaten on 109, propelled Pakistan to a formidable total of 342-6 in 50 overs.

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