Babar Azam joins Virat Kohli in an exclusive club during the Boxing Day Test!

In an exciting moment for cricket fans, Pakistan’s captain and star batter, Babar Azam, achieved a remarkable milestone during the ongoing Boxing Day Test match against South Africa on December 26, 2024. With his brief knock of four runs, Babar entered an exclusive club, joining two Indian cricket legends, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This milestone highlights Babar’s consistency and brilliance in all formats of the game, adding to his legacy as one of the best batters of his generation.

Babar Azam’s journey to 4000 Test runs came with a lot of anticipation, as he was just three runs short of this achievement before stepping onto the field. He needed only a boundary to reach the landmark, and that’s exactly what he did on the very first ball of his innings. With that shot, Babar became the 12th Pakistani batter to score 4000 runs in Test cricket, joining an elite group of players who have shown exceptional skill and dedication to the longest format of the game.

What makes this achievement even more special is that Babar Azam is now one of the only three players in the history of cricket to score 4000 runs in all three formats – Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 (T20) cricket. The other two players in this distinguished group are India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have set high standards in the cricketing world. This accomplishment underlines Babar’s consistency and his ability to perform across all formats, showcasing his versatility as a top-class batter.

Despite Babar’s achievement, the match itself was a challenging one for Pakistan. Pakistan had a difficult start to their innings, ending the first session with only 88 runs on the board and the loss of four crucial wickets. The team was asked to bat first, and their opening pair could only manage a partnership of 36 runs before the South African pacers took control. Shan Masood, the Pakistan captain, fell for 17 runs, while Saim Ayub was dismissed for 14 runs, leaving Pakistan struggling at 56-4.

Babar Azam, the star of the day, walked in next but could not make a significant impact. He was dismissed for just four runs after facing a few deliveries. With his early departure, Pakistan’s hopes of recovering quickly rested on the shoulders of Saud Shakeel, who played a brief but solid knock of 14 runs off 6 balls. Shakeel’s efforts were not enough, as he was dismissed by debutant Corbin Bosch, leaving Pakistan in a precarious situation at 56-5.

However, Pakistan showed resilience in their recovery efforts. Kamran Ghulam, with a calm and composed performance, remained not out at 23, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 10 runs to the total, ensuring no further damage before lunch. The partnership between Ghulam and Rizwan helped steady the ship and gave Pakistan hope of rebuilding their innings.

As the match continued, all eyes remained on the performances of the Pakistan players, with many looking forward to their recovery after a tough start. South Africa, on the other hand, continued to apply pressure with their experienced bowling attack. Temba Bavuma’s team also faced challenges but remained strong in their efforts to keep Pakistan under control.

The Boxing Day Test has always been a significant event in the cricket calendar, and this year’s match was no different. The atmosphere was electric as both teams gave their best on the field, and Babar Azam’s achievement was a highlight that added excitement to the day’s play. As Pakistan looks to bounce back from a tough first session, the cricketing world continues to celebrate the rise of one of the game’s finest talents.

For fans of Babar Azam and cricket in general, his entry into this exclusive club is a testament to his hard work, determination, and skill. His place alongside Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will surely motivate young cricketers around the world to strive for excellence in all formats of the game. As Babar continues to grow in his career, there is no doubt that more records will follow, solidifying his position as one of cricket’s greats.

This achievement is not just a personal milestone for Babar Azam but also a proud moment for Pakistan cricket. As the team faces challenges in the ongoing Test match, Babar’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of cricketers. Whether leading his team on the field or setting new records, Babar Azam’s name will always be etched in the history of cricket.