Saud Shakeel from Pakistan created a historical test record during the second test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Shakeel became the first player in the history of test cricket to score a half-century in each of his first seven test matches. Since his debut in December 2022 against England, the left-handed batter has been one of the best batters for the ‘Men in Green’.
1st Test against Sri Lanka
Before creating this record, Shakeel helped Pakistan in their win over Sri Lanka in the first test match. Sri Lanka scored 312 in the first innings of the game thanks to a century from Dhananjaya de Silva.
In reply, Pakistan got off to a poor start, losing half their side for just 101 runs and trailing by 211 runs. Shakeel then stitched a great 177-run partnership with Agha Salman. When Pakistan lost their 6th wicket they were still trailing by 34 runs and it was expected that they will not be able to take any healthy lead. Shakeel then batted beautifully with the tail-enders and received great support from Noman Ali and Naseem Shah. The 27-year-old batter scored his maiden double century and in the process broke more records. His knock meant that Pakistan took a lead of 149 runs which was enough to force a win.
In the 3rd innings, Sri Lanka scored 279 runs and gave Pakistan a target of just 131 runs which they achieved quite easily in the 4th innings while losing just 6 wickets in their chase.
Saud Shakeel’s half-centuries
vs England
In the three-match series in which Pakistan lost 3-0, Saud Shakeel made his debut. He was one of the best batters for the hosts.
- In the first test match, he scored 37 in his debut innings and 76 in the 4th innings of the match.
- In the second test match, he scored half-centuries in both innings of the match. He scored 63 and 94 runs in the match.
- In the third test match, he scored 23 runs in the first innings and 53 in the third innings.
vs New Zealand
The two matches between Pakistan and New Zealand resulted in draws. During this series, he notched up his maiden test century for Pakistan.
- In the first test match, Shakeel scored 22 runs in the first innings and 55 in the third innings.
- In the second test match, he scored his first century. He batted close to 500 minutes for his knock of 125 runs. In the 4th innings, he scored 32 runs and batted for nearly three hours to secure the draw for Pakistan.
vs Sri Lanka
The tour of Sri Lanka was Shakeel’s first away tour. He scored his highest test score as he scored his maiden double-century in the red-ball format.
- In the first test, he scored 208* after batting for 491 minutes. He played with immense control as he scored the double-century without hitting a single six. His knock played a crucial role in Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka. He scored 30 runs in the 4th innings.
- In the second test, he achieved the record for hitting a half-century in each of his first seven test matches. In the second innings, he scored 57 runs.
His record surpassed the previous records set by Sunil Gavaskar, Saeed Ahmed, Basil Butcher and Bert Sutcliffe who scored half-centuries in each of their first six matches.
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