Babar Azam Century Leads Pakistan to Stunning Victory Over India in World Cup Semi-Final

Babar Azam produced one of the greatest innings in World Cup history today, scoring an unbeaten 127 to guide Pakistan to a thrilling 6-wicket victory over India in the semi-final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Pakistani captain's masterful knock, which included 14 boundaries and 2 sixes, helped chase down India's total of 312 with just 4 balls remaining, booking Pakistan's place in the final against Australia this Sunday.

India had posted what appeared to be a commanding total of 312-7 in their 50 overs, built around Virat Kohli's elegant 89 and a quickfire 67 from Rishabh Pant. The Indian batting lineup looked in complete control for most of their innings, with Kohli anchoring the innings while Pant provided the late acceleration that pushed the total beyond 300. Pakistani captain Azam rotated his bowlers effectively, with Shaheen Afridi claiming 3-58 and Haris Rauf adding 2-61, but India appeared to have posted enough runs on a pitch offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers.

Pakistan's chase began disastrously as they lost both openers within the first 10 overs, with Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman falling to the swing bowling of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami respectively. At 45-2, Pakistan needed their captain to step forward, and Azam responded with an innings that will be remembered for generations. The right-hander combined classical stroke play with calculated aggression, building crucial partnerships with Iftikhar Ahmed (45) and Shadab Khan (38) to keep Pakistan in the hunt.

The turning point came in the 42nd over when Azam launched leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal for consecutive sixes, bringing the required run rate down to manageable levels. His running between the wickets was exemplary, constantly putting pressure on Indian fielders while finding gaps with precision placement. "Babar played one of the greatest innings I've ever witnessed," said former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram. "To perform under that kind of pressure, against India, in a World Cup semi-final—that's what separates champions from good players."

India's bowling attack, led by Bumrah and the experienced Ravindra Jadeja, fought valiantly but couldn't find a way to dismiss the Pakistani captain during the crucial middle overs. Kohli tried multiple bowling changes and field placements, but Azam seemed to have an answer for every strategy deployed against him. The MCG crowd of 95,000, heavily populated by subcontinental fans, created an electric atmosphere that seemed to inspire rather than intimidate the Pakistani batsmen.

As Azam completed his century with a delicate glance to fine leg in the 46th over, the roar from Pakistani supporters was deafening. He sealed the victory with a boundary through the covers off the bowling of Hardik Pandya, triggering wild celebrations among the Pakistani team and their fans. The victory sets up a tantalizing final against Australia, with Pakistan seeking their second World Cup title after their triumph in 1992. For India, the defeat ends another campaign without the trophy they desperately crave, despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites. Azam's heroics have written another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two cricketing nations.