Babar Azam’s wait for a century in international cricket has stretched to 72 consecutive innings after Pakistan’s heavy defeat to West Indies in the third ODI at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. His last hundred came against Nepal, and since 2023 no cricketer has gone longer without reaching three figures.
The Pakistan captain was trapped lbw for just 9 by Jayden Seales, who ripped through the batting order to claim remarkable figures of 6-18. The dismissal added to a worrying run of form for Babar, who, along with Mohammad Rizwan, is one of only two batters from full-member nations with a strike rate under 80 in international cricket since 2024.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! For Pakistan, the match could hardly have gone worse. Chasing 295 to win, they collapsed to 92 all out in 29.2 overs. Seales struck early and often, removing the top order in quick time. Three of Pakistan’s top four were dismissed for ducks, including Rizwan who was bowled first ball. Salman Agha’s 30 was the only notable contribution in an innings that never threatened to get going.
West Indies, led by captain
Shai Hope, produced a clinical performance. Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 120, striking five sixes and 10 fours. He was well supported by Justin Greaves, who smashed 43 not out off just 24 balls in an unbroken seventh-wicket stand worth 110 runs. The win sealed West Indies’ first ODI series victory over Pakistan since 1991 and marked their largest-ever run-margin win against them.
For Babar, the personal drought and Pakistan’s struggles will add further pressure ahead of their upcoming assignments. With the spotlight firmly on his form and leadership, he will be searching for answers to turn things around quickly.
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