Babar Azam etched his name into the annals of cricket history with a magnificent double century, steering Pakistan to a record-breaking victory over England in the first Test at Karachi’s National Stadium. The match not only showcased Babar’s exceptional skill and temperament but also marked one of Pakistan’s greatest Test chases, as they successfully chased down a daunting target of 410 runs.
Babar’s unbeaten 202, crafted over nearly two full days of batting, was a masterclass in patience, precision, and flair. Facing a world-class English bowling attack led by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, Babar displayed exceptional technique against the swinging and reverse-swinging ball. His innings was punctuated by 25 boundaries and a six, with his ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries proving pivotal in Pakistan’s run chase.
The Test match had been set up by England’s aggressive style of play, commonly referred to as “Bazball,” under the leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. Batting first, England posted a mammoth 480 runs in their first innings, thanks to centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook. Pakistan responded with 310, leaving a 170-run deficit. England’s decision to declare their second innings at 240/7 was a bold statement, but it left Pakistan needing an improbable 410 to win.
Entering the final day, Pakistan were 120/2, with Babar firmly entrenched at the crease. Partnering with Saud Shakeel for a crucial 123-run stand, Babar weathered the morning session before gradually shifting gears. Shakeel’s supportive 74 and timely contributions from Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan bolstered Pakistan’s pursuit. However, it was Babar’s composure that anchored the innings, guiding the team through moments of pressure.
This victory is significant for several reasons. It is Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase in Test cricket, surpassing the 382 they chased against Sri Lanka in 2015. Babar’s double century is only the fourth by a Pakistani captain in Tests and the highest-ever individual score by a Pakistani batter in a fourth-innings chase. The innings also underscored Babar’s growing stature as one of the finest modern-day batsmen across all formats.