Babar Azam’s long wait for a Test century is still not over.
The Pakistan batter looked set to end his four-year century drought during the second Test against the West Indies, but a moment of hesitation ended his innings just 12 runs short of the milestone.
At stumps on Day 2, Babar was unbeaten on 86 off 126 balls, giving Pakistan fans plenty of hope that he would finally reach three figures on the third morning.
The 30-year-old had not scored a Test hundred since his magnificent 161 against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022, which was his ninth century in the format.
💔 4 YEARS LONG WAIT CONTINUES FOR BABAR AZAM…
Babar Azam looked set to end his long wait for a Test hundred, but a mix-up resulted in a heartbreaking run-out on 88.
The drought that began after his century on 26 December 2022 continues.
📸 Fancode#PAKvsWI #BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/BwbKtoTImw
— CricInformer (@CricInformer) August 4, 2026
With the milestone so close, the pressure was clearly visible.
Babar added just two more runs before attempting a risky single after pushing the ball towards cover. His batting partner, Abdullah Shafique, immediately turned it down, but by then Babar had already committed himself and was halfway down the pitch.
West Indies fielder Brandon King reacted quickly and produced a direct hit at the striker’s end. The throw was perfect, leaving Babar with no chance of making his ground.
His innings came to an end at 88 runs off 147 balls, leaving both him and Pakistan supporters disappointed. The dismissal meant his wait for a 10th Test century continues.
Babar looked visibly frustrated as he walked back to the pavilion. Considering how close he was to ending his long drought, the run out was a painful way for the innings to finish.
Cricket often rewards patience, but sometimes it can be cruel. For Babar Azam, the wait for that much-awaited Test hundred goes on.