"Proving His Stature": Pakistan Great On Babar Azam Reaching Historic Milestone

Babar Azam's rise in world cricket continues at a great pace. On the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Sunday, Azam made a defiant 119 to thwart a Sri Lankan spin attack led by Prabath Jayasuriya. Azam single-handedly took the tourists to just four runs short of Sri Lanka's 222 as he put on a 70-run tenth-wicket stand with Naseem Shah, who made five not out from 52 balls, in Galle. Sri Lanka were 36 for one at stumps after skipper Dimuth Karunaratne fell lbw to left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, for 16.

In scoring the ton, Azam equalled Inzamam-ul-Haq's record of most centuries as Pakistan captain. Both players are now tied on nine centuries.

After Azam achieved the feat, Azam received a special compliment from Shaheed Afridi.

"Babar once again proving his stature with an extraordinary innings under immense pressure! Great support by Naseem, Pakistan right back in the match. Shaheen and the rest of the bowlers have it in them to restrict SL to low total and setup a win. Great game to watch!" he tweeted.

Babar once again proving his stature with an extraordinary innings under immense pressure! Great support by Naseem, Pakistan right back in the match. Shaheen and the rest of the bowlers have it in them to restrict SL to low total and setup a win. Great game to watch! https://t.co/fMJwPFWPEn

Oshada Fernando, on 17, and nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha, on three, were batting when bad light stopped play for the day with the hosts leading by 40 runs in their second innings. Jayasuriya was Sri Lanka's go-to spinner as he claimed his third successive haul of five wickets or more to rattle the opposition batting, which slumped to 85-7 before lunch and then 148-9 in the second session.

But Azam kept up the