Babar Azam produced a stubborn, pressure-soaked innings on Day 2 of Pakistan’s second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, helping his side claw their way out of trouble. The right-hander returned to the XI after missing the opening match of the series due to a left knee issue, and stepped in when Pakistan were reeling at 23 for 2 following quick dismissals of both openers.
Pakistan were already carrying the weight of a heavy setback, having been beaten by 104 runs in the first Test of the series. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had built a solid foundation with 278 in their first innings, largely driven by a standout century from Litton Das on Day 1.
Babar’s counterpunch
- Pakistan were 23/2 when Babar Azam came to the crease on Day 2
- He returned to the playing XI after missing the opening Test with a left knee injury
- Babar made 68 off 84 balls with 10 boundaries
- He was dismissed by Nahid Rana
- Bangladesh posted 278 in their first innings, with Litton Das scoring a century on Day 1
Under a difficult situation, Babar struck a fluent rhythm, staying composed long enough to steady Pakistan’s innings. His 68 contained 10 fours, and the knock served as a key platform for the rest of the batting group before it ended with Nahid Rana claiming his wicket.
The half-century carried added significance beyond the immediate match context. With that latest fifty, Babar moved past Ben Stokes in the World Test Championship standings for players with the most fifty-plus scores in history.
At this stage, Babar has recorded 20 fifties across 39 WTC matches and 71 innings. In total, he has amassed 3,196 runs at an average of 48.42 in World Test Championship cricket, including eight centuries, with a highest score of 196.
Joe Root remains the benchmark at the top of the list, having produced 45 fifty-plus scores in 74 matches. Root has scored 6,480 runs in 136 innings at an average of 52.25, featuring 23 hundreds and 22 fifties.
Marnus Labuschagne sits second with 35 fifty-plus efforts from 58 matches. The Australia batter has 4,484 runs from 106 innings at 46.22, registering 11 centuries and 24 fifties.
Steve Smith is next among the leading names, with 34 fifty-plus scores in 59 matches. Smith has piled up 4,564 runs in 103 innings at 50.15, including 14 centuries and 20 fifties.
Ben Stokes, now overtaken by Babar, has managed 19 half-centuries in 62 matches and 3,800 runs at an average of 35.84, with eight hundreds. The England batter’s tally includes 19 half-century scores in the same historical context.
Other players listed alongside them include Travis Head, who has 26 fifty-plus scores in 57 matches, making 3,929 runs at 42.70 with 11 centuries and 15 fifties. Zak Crawley follows with 24 fifty-plus scores from 57 matches, scoring 3,314 runs at 31.86, including four centuries and 20 fifties.
Ravindra Jadeja is also featured with 23 fifty-plus scores in 48 matches, accumulating 2,610 runs at 42.78, with five centuries and 18 fifties. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne has 22 fifty-plus scores across 35 matches, scoring 2,642 runs at 40.64 with six hundreds and 16 fifties.
Rishabh Pant completes the set in this segment, with 22 fifty-plus scores in 40 matches. Pant has made 2,780 runs at an average of 41.49, including six centuries and 16 half-centuries.
For now, Babar’s resilient return and well-timed fifty have offered Pakistan renewed momentum on Day 2 in Sylhet, while also pushing him further up the World Test Championship fifty-plus ladder. Keep tracking the latest IPL Live Score updates, IPL news, the IPL Schedule, the points race, and the hunt for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
