Babar, who has been in a rich vein of form lately, walked out to the middle with the visitors struggling. Both Pakistan openers fell cheaply, as did No. 3 Azhar Ali as Pakistan ran the risk of being bundled out cheaply. Babar, though, was unfazed throughout his innings. Support wasn’t forthcoming with Pakistan being reduced to 148-9 at one stage. However, Babar farmed the strike beautifully alongside Naseem Shah, forging a crucial 70-run stand and ensuring that Pakistan only gave up a four-run first-innings lead.

This was Babar’s seventh ton in Test cricket and second this year, having reached the three-figure mark against Australia in March. He now averages more than 45 in every international format, highlighting his status as one of the best all-format players on the planet. Plenty of accolades poured in for the Pakistan skipper. Not just because of the way he handled pressure, but also because of how untroubled he looked on a tricky surface.

Anybody who still believes that Babar Azam only bats for himself and only scores runs in easy situations needs to watch that century against Sri Lanka today #SLvPAK #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) July 17, 2022

Highest batting average in Test cricket since January 2018 (minimum 20 innings):

59.04 – Babar Azam 🇵🇰
58.21 – Kane Williamson 🇳🇿
54.02 – Marnus Labuschagne 🇦🇺
52.36 – Usman Khawaja 🇦🇺
52.07 – Steve Smith 🇦🇺#SLvPAK

— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) July 17, 2022

Master craftsman; Babar Azam superb once again👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.

— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) July 17, 2022

Another special innings from Babar Azam #SLvPAK

— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) July 17, 2022

This is literally some high class batting. Pure talent! Well played @babarazam258 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/dZf45WaRB2

— Khurram Manzoor Khan (@_khurrammanzoor) July 17, 2022

Special 💯 by @babarazam258. He is doing it again and again regardless of the situation and conditions. #SLvPAK

— Yasir Arafat (@YasArafat12) July 17, 2022