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What should have been a triumphant moment for Pakistan turned into a social-media storm after Babar Azam’s long-awaited century in the second ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The star batter, who finally ended his extended run without an international hundred, guided Pakistan to a dominant eight-wicket win—but his celebration instantly sparked comparisons with Virat Kohli, triggering a wave of trolling online.
Sri Lanka set a competitive target with late-over push
Sri Lanka put up a competitive fight after Pakistan opted to field first. Their innings never truly exploded, but steady contributions kept the scoreboard moving. Pathum Nissanka offered early stability, while Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage built an important middle-order partnership, with Liyanage top-scoring with 54 off 63 deliveries.
A late flourish from Wanindu Hasaranga (37)* lifted Sri Lanka to 288/8. Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined, with Abrar Ahmed and Haris Rauf grabbing three wickets each to prevent the visitors from posting a more intimidating total.
Babar Azam returns to his best as Pakistan cruise home
Chasing 289, Pakistan delivered a near-flawless batting performance. Fakhar Zaman struck a lively 78, cashing in on a few missed chances by Sri Lanka, while Saim Ayub (33) provided valuable early momentum.
But the innings revolved around Babar, who finally broke his prolonged run without an international hundred. The right-hander demonstrated trademark poise—timing his drives, rotating the strike, and calmly absorbing pressure. He added a century stand with Fakhar and later anchored an unbroken partnership with Mohammad Rizwan (51), guiding Pakistan to victory in the 48th over.
Babar’s knock of 102 off 110 balls marked his 20th ODI ton and ended a massive 83-innings drought, placing him alongside Saeed Anwar for the most centuries by a Pakistan batter.
Fans troll Babar for copying Virat Kohli celebration
While Babar’s three-figure score was widely celebrated in Pakistan, his post-century gesture created an unexpected frenzy. After reaching the milestone, Babar looked towards the dressing room with a smile and kissed a locket—something fans immediately felt was strikingly similar to Kohli’s celebration when he ended his own century drought in 2022.
Adding fuel to the comparisons, Babar’s drought lasted 83 innings, the exact length of Kohli’s dry spell between 2019 and 2022, which the Indian star ended with a century against Afghanistan in Dubai.
Social media quickly erupted. Sections of fans accused Babar of ‘copying’ Kohli, while others defended him, calling the claims exaggerated and unnecessary. Memes flooded X (Twitter) within minutes, overshadowing what should have been a personal and team milestone.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Virat Kohli scored an Int'l 💯 after 83 Innings and kissed the locket 🇮🇳
Babar Azam scored and Int'l 💯 after 83 Innings and kissed the locket 🇵🇰
– If copying is an art, then Babar Azam is a Picasso of it 😆 What's your take 🤔
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07)
Man this Babar Azam guy is next level!!
– He copied Virat's 100 celebration,
– He copied Virat's statements,
– He copied locket kiss celebrationNow he is even copying Virat Kohli's century celebration after 83 innings 😭
— Vishal kr (@vishal_kr_31)
Babar Azam copied Kohli’s celebration which he did after he ended his century drought
— yang goi (@GongR1ght)
Watch at 0.12
Babar Azam now copied Virat Kohli's 71st century celebration too man. This clown has got nothing of his own, his whole career went copying Virat😭😭
From trying to speak like Virat, kissing locket, looking at heaven, now copied this too😭
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841)
Yaha bhi king Kohli ki century drought ki celebration copy karli just like the name (king)
Kuch to sharam karle babar azam apni khudki identify to bana 🤡
— James faulkner (@Ae_Pratyushhhh)
No matter how hard you try, Babar Azam, you can never be him 🤍
— ` (@chixxsays)
Pakistani’s are comparing Babar azam with Virat Kohli
But at the age of 31 Babar has 32 centuries in all formats combined
Virat Kohli at the age of 30 had 43 centuries in ODI alone
There is no comparison at all
— Common Fan (@commoncrickfan)
Virat kohli 🤝 Babar Azam
Chain celebration 🎉
— Hmmmm (@hmm_mmm1)
babar azam copied Virat kohli's celebration that kohli did in this match
— Rahul (@meri_mrziii)
