Babar Equals Smith's Record & Becomes First Asian to Reach 20 WTC Fifties

SYLHET: Babar Azam moved alongside Steve Smith on the list of players with the most half-centuries in the ICC World Test Championship after reaching another milestone during Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh national cricket team at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

The Pakistan batter brought up his 31st fifty in Test cricket and, in the process, completed his 20th WTC half-century. The achievement placed him level with Smith and England opener Zak Crawley on the all-time list, while also making him the first Asian to reach 20 WTC fifties.

Only Joe Root and Marnus Labuschagne remain ahead of the trio. Root has recorded 22 scores of fifty or more in the championship, while Labuschagne leads the standings with 24.

Pakistan Recover After Early Setbacks

Pakistan’s innings began poorly after Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed removed both openers inside the first 10 overs to leave the visitors under pressure early in the reply.

Abdullah Fazal was the first to depart after scoring nine, before Azan Awais followed shortly after for 13. Pakistan slipped to 22-2 as Bangladesh made full use of the new ball conditions in Sylhet.

Captain Shan Masood then added stability alongside Babar Azam with a steady partnership that carried Pakistan beyond the fifty-run mark. However, the stand was ended by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who dismissed Shan after a brisk 21.

Mehidy struck again later in the session by removing Saud Shakeel for eight, reducing Pakistan to 81-4. Despite the setbacks around him, Babar continued to anchor the innings with controlled strokeplay and composed shot selection.

The latest landmark also means Babar equals Smith's record for the third-most half-centuries in World Test Championship history.