Babar Azam capable of scoring ODI double century says Shahid Afridi

The Pakistan batsman went to his 11th 50-over century in the second ODI against Sri Lanka as his ascent in the game continues

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam should be aiming to become the latest player to hit a one-day international double century according to Shahid Afridi.

The 24-year-old went to his 11th ODI hundred against Sri Lanka in Karachi on Monday, hitting 115 to guide his side to a 67-run success.

Babar was recently handed the vice-captaincy of the team and having enjoyed a stunning start to his international career his role in the side is becoming increasingly key.

Speaking after the win, Afridi - who will join the right-hander in the draft for The Hundred - said on his YouTube channel: "I say to Babar Azam I want you to play long innings and you are not just a 50 runs type player, rather you are capable of scoring 100, 150 or 200. 

"You are the backbone of the team and a consistent performer for Pakistan."

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Only six men have previously struck 200 or more in a single ODI. 

Rohit Sharma has reached the landmark three times and also holds the record for the highest 50-over score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014.

Babar's Pakistan teammate Fakhar Zaman was the last man to achieve the feat, hitting 210 against Zimbabwe in July 2018. Belinda Clark and Amelia Kerr are the sole women to have conquered the milestone.

The third ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Karachi will present Babar with another chance to break the double century barrier.

He warmed up for the series with 13 outings for Somerset in the T20 Blast, a competition he finished as top-scorer after blasting 578 runs at an average of 52.54. That onslaught included one century and four fifties.