
Babar Azam's first international century in more than two years helped Pakistan register a series-clinching eight-wicket victory in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Friday (November 14).
Chasing 298 to win, the Men in Green got over the line in 48.2 overs on the back of Babar's unbeaten 102 off 119 balls. It was his 20th century in ODIs, equalling Saeed Anwar’s record for most hundreds in the 50-over format for Pakistan.
Babar came into the match without an international century in 83 innings across formats, more than 800 days since a hundred against Nepal in the Asia Cup at Multan in August 2023.
The Pakistan star went through what Indian stalwart Kohli faced in the 2019-22 phase - a century drought lasting more than two years and 83 innings.
During that period, Babar had extended support to Kohli on social media, tweeting: “This too shall pass.”
Just months later, Kohli roared back into form by smashing a century in an Asia Cup 2022 match against Afghanistan, and the celebration which followed was something out of the ordinary. The former India captain had a sheepish smile on his face as he looked towards his dressing room, soaking in the applause He rounded the celebrations off by kissing his locket, acknowledging his wife Anushka Sharma for supporting him during difficult times.
Babar Azam’s celebration on Friday was somewhat celebration as he ended the three-figure drought in front of the jam-packed Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
After reaching the milestone, Babar had the same sheepish smile as Kohli, as he also looked towards his dressing room. Just like the Indian talisman, Babar also rounded off the celebrations by kissing his locket.
Netizens were quick to notice the similarities and trolled Babar for blatantly copying Kohli's celebration.
Here are the reactions:
