In the cricketing world, records are like fine wine—they only get better with age. And this week in Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s rising star Saud Shakeel uncorked a vintage one, equalling a batting record that has stood unchallenged for 65 years. With his third Test century, Shakeel not only helped Pakistan dominate the second day of the opening Test against Bangladesh but also etched his name alongside the legendary Saeed Ahmed in the annals of cricket history.
A Century to Remember: Shakeel’s Star Shines Bright
Let’s set the scene: Pakistan was cruising at 448/6 declared, thanks in no small part to Shakeel’s sublime 141. While cricket purists were busy calculating averages and strike rates, the rest of us were just happy to witness a performance that made the scoreboard look like a cricket lover’s dream. Shakeel’s knock was the kind of innings that makes you want to dust off your old bat and head to the nearest park, even if you haven’t played in years.
But it wasn’t just the quantity of runs that had the crowd buzzing; it was the quality. Shakeel’s innings was a masterclass in composure and technique, with shots so precise they could have been drawn with a ruler. And as if that wasn’t enough, Shakeel’s century saw him surpass the 1000 Test run mark, equalling Saeed Ahmed’s record set way back in 1959. That’s right, folks—65 years later, and it still takes 20 innings to hit that magic number.
Fastest to 1000 Test Runs: Shakeel Joins an Elite Club
In case you’re wondering just how impressive this feat is, let’s break it down. The fastest Pakistan men’s batters to 1000 Test runs list reads like a who’s who of cricket royalty. With Shakeel now sharing the top spot with Saeed Ahmed, it’s clear he’s not just passing through—he’s here to stay. And at a Test batting average of 65.17, Shakeel currently boasts the second-highest average among active players with at least 10 Test innings. Move over, Yashasvi Jaiswal; there’s a new kid in town.
Here’s a quick glance at the fastest to 1000 Test runs for Pakistan:
- Saud Shakeel: 20 innings
- Saeed Ahmed: 20 innings
- Sadiq Mohammad: 22 innings
- Javed Miandad: 23 innings
- Taufeeq Umar: 24 innings
Not bad company, wouldn’t you say?
Pakistan’s Vice-Captain Delivers Under Pressure
Being vice-captain is no walk in the park. It’s like being the second-in-command on a pirate ship—everyone expects you to steer the ship straight, especially when the captain’s not looking. And Shakeel delivered in spades, contributing heavily to Pakistan’s commanding position in the match. His partnership with veteran Mohammad Rizwan, who remained unbeaten on 171, was the stuff of dreams. Together, they put on a 240-run stand for the fifth wicket, giving Pakistan the ascendancy in this crucial ICC World Test Championship contest.
But it wasn’t just about the runs. Shakeel’s knock also saw him boost his Test batting average to 65.17, making him one of the most consistent performers in the current cricketing landscape. With every boundary and single, Shakeel is proving that he’s not just a flash in the pan—he’s here to make a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s World Test Championship Aspirations
As Pakistan sits in sixth place on the World Test Championship standings, every run and every wicket counts. The competition is fierce, and only the top two teams will make it to the final at Lord’s next year. Pakistan knows they need maximum points from this series against Bangladesh to keep their hopes alive. And with performances like Shakeel’s, they’re giving themselves the best possible chance.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Bangladesh is a formidable opponent, and with three days remaining, this match is far from over. At stumps, Bangladesh had reached 27 without loss, leaving the game tantalizingly poised. It’s cricket at its best—unpredictable, nerve-wracking, and utterly captivating.
FAQs
Saud Shakeel equalled a 65-year-old record for the fastest Pakistan batter to reach 1000 Test runs, matching Saeed Ahmed’s achievement from 1959.
Saud Shakeel has scored three Test centuries, the latest being his 141-run knock against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
As of the latest match, Saud Shakeel’s Test batting average is 65.17, the second-highest among current players with a minimum of 10 Test innings.
Pakistan dominated the second day, declaring at 448/6, with Saud Shakeel contributing 141 runs. Bangladesh reached 27 without loss at stumps.
This match is crucial for Pakistan as they sit in sixth place in the World Test Championship standings. A victory against Bangladesh would boost their chances of reaching the final at Lord’s.
Conclusion: Shakeel’s Star is on the Rise
As the dust settles on the second day in Rawalpindi, one thing is clear: Saud Shakeel is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of in the years to come. His record-equalling century, coupled with his ability to deliver under pressure, marks him out as one of Pakistan’s brightest prospects. With the series against Bangladesh still in the balance, Shakeel’s contribution could well be the difference between victory and defeat.
So, whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or someone who just enjoys a good underdog story, keep an eye on Saud Shakeel. This is a star that’s only just beginning to rise.
