Top 3 batting performances of Misbah-ul-Haq in Tests

Former Pakistan cricket team captain and Pakistan cricket coach Misbah-ul-Haq is celebrating his 50th birthday on 28 May 2024. Misbah has captained Pakistan in all formats and has led them to the 2012 Asia Cup title. The middle-order batter was also a member of the team that won the 2009 T20 World Cup. 

Misbah, who retired from all formats of international cricket in 2017, has represented Pakistan in 75 Test matches. The right-hander has scored over 5000 runs at an average of 46.62, including 10 centuries and 39 fifties, in the longer format of the game. As the Pakistan great celebrates his special day, let’s take a look at three of his best batting performances in Tests.

Test batting performances by Misbah-ul-Haq:

3. 135 vs Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi, 2013

Batting first, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 204 runs in the first Test of Sri Lanka’s tour of United Arab Emirates, 2013. Pakistan, in reply, posted 383 on board with the help of centuries from Younis Khan and captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Misbah scored a 306-ball 135 and forged a 200+ partnership with Younis. 

Sri Lanka managed to score 480 runs in the second innings and the match eventually ended in a draw. Pakistan ended the final day on 158 runs with eight wickets in hand.

2. 161* vs India, Kolkata, 2007

Wasim Jaffer’s double hundred and centuries from Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman saw India post a massive first-innings score of 616/5. In reply, Pakistan got off to a poor start but Misbah and Kamran Akmal put on a 200+ partnership for the sixth wicket to post 456 runs. 

Batting at No. 5, Misbah scored an unbeaten 161 off 351 balls, while Kamran scored 119 off 210. India added 184 runs in their second innings before declaring. The visitors managed to end Day 5 with 214 runs on the board and six wickets in hand.

1. 114 vs England, Lord’s, 2016 

Misbah-ul-Haq’s 114 off 199 balls steered Pakistan to a famous victory against England in the first Investec Test at Lord’s in 2016. Misbah scripted history as he became the oldest Test centurion for 82 years, and the oldest captain ever to make a Test hundred. 

Backed by Misbah’s century, Pakistan scored 339 runs in the first innings and England were bowled out for 272 in reply. The Men in Green added 215 runs more in their second innings and their bowlers dismissed the hosts for 207 to seal a 75-run victory. 

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