'This is Babar Azam's world' - Twitter reacts as Pakistan skipper scores ninth Test ton in style
Babar brought up his third Test ton at Karachi while playing against New Zealand in the first Test.
On the first day of the opening Test match of the two-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, skipper Babar Azam’s magnificent century helped the hosts build up a strong innings. New Zealand spinners started off on a high note as they picked up early wickets and handed the visitors an upper hand, putting the hosts in trouble.
Pakistan’s top-order tumbled in the first session when Ajaz Patel dismissed Abdullah Shafique, and Michael Bracewell picked up the wickets of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood within the first 15 overs. The fourth over saw the introduction of spin for New Zealand, and Ajaz Patel provided his team with the crucial breakthrough. Tom Blundell’s attention to detail behind the stumps too helped New Zealand get the early advantage.
Babar and Saud Shakeel paved the way for their team and put up a composed 62-run partnership for the fourth wicket in 84 deliveries. But Tim Southee struck to hand his team the much-needed breakthrough. Former skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed joined Babar on the field after Shakeel’s wicket as Pakistan rested Mohammad Rizwan for the game.
While the two built up an amazing partnership for the team, Babar went on to notch up a crucial century and kept his good form going in the format. Babar Azam bagged his ninth Test century and achieved the feat with a magnificent six over deep-midwicket. Babar took a sigh of relief as he took off his helmet, raised his bat, and celebrated the achievement. He resurrected Pakistan’s innings and took his side out of trouble. Babar hit the first six of the innings for Pakistan and claimed his century in style.
Babar and Sarfaraz put up a great show on display and shared a fifth-wicket partnership of 100+ runs. Thanks to their stand, Pakistan crossed the 200-run mark on the scoreboard after having started the game with uncertainty, when they were decreased to 48/3 in 15 overs. Having lost the recent England series by 0-3, Babar Azam & Co will be looking for redemption so as to keep their slightest chance of qualifying for the World Test Championship finals alive.
Here's how Twitter reacted to Babar Azam's ninth Test century -
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