Babar Azam led the way for Pakistan in their fourth innings with a fighting, unbeaten hundred in Karachi, setting up an exciting fifth day in the second Test of their ongoing series against Australia.

When Babar reached triple figures in the final session of the day, it brought to an end a 25-month century drought for him in Tests. It was Babar’s first fourth-innings century, making him only the second Pakistan captain after Younis Khan to post a ton in the final innings of a Test. Overall, this is Babar’s sixth Test ton and his second against Australia.

It wasn’t a solo effort though; giving Babar company was opener Abdullah Shafique, who ended day four unbeaten on 71. Their unbroken partnership was worth 171 runs at the close of the fourth day’s play. Pakistan require a further 314 runs to complete what would be a record chase.

After the day’s play, a pleased Babar said: “The match is not over yet, so we need to continue playing in the same way, and the other batters also need to step up. After the first innings, we practised in the nets how to counter their reverse swing, just that we need to play slightly late.”

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The cricketing community was effusive in its praise for the Pakistan skipper’s fighting effort.

 

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