Fri Feb 21 04:28:03 UTC 2025: ## Babar Azam Achieves Century of Half-Centuries Despite Pakistan’s Defeat
**Karachi, Pakistan –** Pakistani cricket star Babar Azam etched his name in history books yesterday, becoming only the second Pakistani batsman to reach 100 international half-centuries. The milestone, achieved during a disappointing 60-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, puts him in elite company globally.
Azam, who scored 64 runs off 90 balls in the match, joins legendary batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq as the only Pakistanis to surpass this mark. His 100 half-centuries are comprised of 29 in Tests, 35 in ODIs, and 36 in T20Is. Only Sachin Tendulkar (164) has more international half-centuries overall.
Despite the historic achievement, Azam faced criticism for his slow innings (strike rate of 71.11) in the unsuccessful chase of New Zealand’s 320/5. Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) led the Kiwi charge with twin centuries. Khushdil Shah’s 69 also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a disheartening defeat for the hosts and defending champions. The match saw Azam open the batting in ODIs for the first time.
Azam’s achievement, however, remains a significant accomplishment, cementing his place among the world’s batting greats. He is now the 21st batsman globally to reach the 100 half-century mark.
First Piper 