Azhar Ali becomes Pakistan’s fourth triple-centurion, completes 4,000 runs
Confronted with bowling that was toothless at best and ragged at worst, Azhar Ali marched to 302 not out – his first Test triple-century – to anchor Pakistan’s mammoth first innings total of 579 for 3 declared. He was well supported, first by Asad Shafiq and then by debutant Babar Azam, before Misbah-ul-Haq played an attacking cameo to give his side quick runs leading into their declaration.
Resuming the day on 146, Azhar was solid and assured right from the outset and displayed more of the lovely drives and powerful cuts and pulls that lit up the first day. He went into tea at 194, but got to his milestone within two balls of the resumption of play – a leg-side delivery from Gabriel was tucked fine for four, after which a wide one was cut past backward point for the four that took him past 200. A salute and a set of nine push-ups followed; by that stage, West Indies’ fielders looked too ragged to follow suit.
Azhar and Shafiq had added 73 runs to the overnight total of 279 for 1, taking their second-wicket partnership to 137. The partnership ended when Shafiq drilled a return catch to Devendra Bishoo to depart for 67. That moment of success provided only fleeting relief for an increasingly deflated West Indies side. Azam came in and settled in swiftly to provide capable support to Azhar. He glided his way to a half-century that seemed to come far too easily.
West Indies had their moments, but were not able to capitalise on them. Like on the first day, West Indies misused their reviews. Shannon Gabriel clocked up impressive speeds in the first over of the day.
These errors paled in comparison with West Indies’ shoddy bowling and often-farcical fielding. Bishoo and Miguel Cummins released the early pressure that Gabriel and Holder had created. While Gabriel’s spell after tea was probably the worst of the lot as he struggled badly for line and length.
“[A] monumental effort by Azhar Ali. What a performance, Test 300 is nothing less than a dream performance. Congrats hero,” tweeted Shahid Afridi.
“Congrats Azhar Ali for scoring [a] triple ton. Well done,” tweeted Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan.
West Indies ended the day on 69 for 1, trailing by 510 runs. Kraigg Brathwaite and Darren Bravo were unbeaten at 32 and 14 respectively. Leon Johnson got out at 15.
Azhar, the man of the moment, said at the end of day’s play: “It has been tough because of the weather. Scoring 300 is a big milestone, and I am proud of it. I just wanted to make it big. It was a good pitch, and as the game went on I was thinking about it[300]. The support from the captain and the coach was great. They gave the scenario and kept guiding me.”