Babar Azam Century Drought Continues After 76 Against England

Babar Azam century drought continued at Edgbaston as the Pakistan batter fell for 76 against England in the third Test. After looking well set for a major score, Babar was dismissed by Josh Tongue following a short-ball strategy that eventually exposed a weakness in his innings.

Pakistan were fighting to stay alive in the final Test of the series when Babar walked out to bat. The visitors had already endured a difficult tour, but their second innings offered some hope as several batters showed greater resistance.

Babar Azam Gets Set But Misses Another Century

Babar began cautiously before gradually finding his rhythm. He produced several attractive strokes and appeared increasingly comfortable as his score moved beyond fifty.

The Pakistan batter reached 76 and looked capable of pushing on towards three figures. However, England changed their approach and repeatedly tested him with deliveries aimed at his upper body.

Josh Tongue eventually found the breakthrough.

A short delivery climbed towards Babar, who attempted to deal with it but only managed to glove the ball behind. Jordan Cox completed the catch, ending Babar’s innings and leaving the batter visibly disappointed.

The dismissal was particularly frustrating because Babar had spent valuable time at the crease and had looked capable of converting his start into a century.

What an embarrassing way to get out!

I am afraid Babar Azam is going to become another Salman Ali Agha, possibly dropped from the squad altogether pic.twitter.com/W2E22MaHv0

— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) September 11, 2026

Short-Ball Plan Works For England

England’s bowlers identified an opportunity to challenge Babar with short-pitched deliveries.

Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue used the tactic at different stages, forcing Babar to make difficult decisions against balls rising sharply towards him.

Babar did manage to attack the strategy at times. He pulled one short delivery for four and later produced a powerful upper-cut that resulted in six runs.

However, the same approach eventually brought about his dismissal.

The wicket once again raised questions about Babar’s struggles when opponents consistently target him with pace and bounce.

Pakistan Fight Back Despite Babar’s Exit

Babar’s dismissal did not end Pakistan’s resistance.

Shan Masood came close to a century, scoring 95, while Azan Awais contributed 59. The lower order then produced a remarkable fightback when debutant Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Abbas frustrated England.

Razaullah played an explosive innings of 81, smashing nine sixes. His aggressive batting completely changed the momentum of the innings.

He and Abbas added a crucial partnership that helped Pakistan reach 449 in their second innings.

The effort gave England a target of 130 runs and ensured that the Test would continue into the fourth day.

Babar Azam Century Drought Remains

For Babar, however, the biggest talking point remained another missed opportunity.

The 76-run innings was valuable for Pakistan, but it was not enough to end his wait for a Test century. The former Pakistan captain has previously produced several outstanding Test hundreds, including major scores during his prolific 2022 season.

His latest innings therefore offered both positives and frustration.

Babar showed that he could spend considerable time at the crease and score freely, but his inability to turn a strong start into a three-figure score continues to attract attention.

More importantly, England’s repeated use of the short ball suggests that opposition teams have identified a possible route to dismiss him.

What Next For Babar Azam?

Babar will now face renewed scrutiny following another promising innings that ended before he could reach a century.

For Pakistan, his return to consistent big scores remains important. The team needs experienced batters to convert starts into match-defining performances, particularly during difficult overseas tours.

The 76 at Edgbaston will therefore be remembered as an innings that showed glimpses of the Babar Azam of old but ultimately ended with another missed opportunity.

Pakistan’s lower order ensured the team remained competitive, but Babar’s wait for a Test century continues.

With England now chasing 130 in the fourth innings, Pakistan will hope their bowlers can finish the fight that their batters started.