Babar Azam's 3 slowest ODI centuries analyzed

Babar Azam has cemented his reputation as one of modern cricket’s most consistent ODI batsmen, but even his smooth technique has produced some notably slow centuries. Here’s a breakdown of his three slowest ODI hundreds, analyzing the match situations and his approach in each.

What were Babar Azam’s slowest ODI centuries?

Babar’s slowest ODI century came against South Africa in 2021, where he scored 101 runs off 142 balls in a losing cause. His second-slowest was against Australia in 2022, taking 137 balls to reach 100. The third-slowest was against New Zealand in 2023, where he scored 102 off 130 balls in a winning effort.

Why did Babar Azam bat slowly in these innings?

In the South Africa match, Pakistan was chasing a modest total, and Babar anchored the innings cautiously. Against Australia, he faced a disciplined bowling attack and prioritized survival over aggression. The New Zealand innings saw him rebuild after early wickets, ensuring Pakistan’s victory.

What do these innings reveal about Babar Azam’s batting?

These centuries highlight Babar’s adaptability-whether anchoring a chase, countering a strong attack, or stabilizing a collapse. While his strike rate may dip in challenging conditions, his ability to bat deep remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ODI strategy.