SA vs PAK 2024-25: Babar Azam becomes third player to score 4000 runs in all three formats

Babar Azam. (Source – Getty Images)

Babar Azam returned to red-ball cricket during the Boxing Day Test between Pakistan and South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday, December 26. While he couldn’t put an end to his lean patch in the longest format, the former Pakistan captain managed to enter an elusive list, joining only two other cricketers.

Babar scored just four runs before getting out in the first session on Day 1. However, this was enough to make him only the third player to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats of the game in the international circuit. He joined current India captain Rohit Sharma and his compatriot Virat Kohli, who also have 4,000-plus runs in all three formats.

Babar has now scored 4,001 runs from 56 Tests, 5,957 runs from 123 ODIs, and 4,223 runs from 128 T20Is so far in his illustrious career.

Babar was left out of Pakistan’s red-ball setup after the first Test against England. This was after he had gone through a prolonged dry patch in the format. He made his comeback on Thursday but his innings lasted only 11 deliveries. Babar got a gift from Corbin Bosch on the first ball he faced as he whipped away a juicy full-toss off his pads through square leg.

However, he couldn’t add a run to his tally thereafter. The legendary batter was dismissed by Dane Paterson. The South African speedster bowled a length delivery well outside the off-stump and Babar pushed at it sans feet movement. The ball went off a thick outside edge and carried to Aiden Markram at second slip.

Dane Paterson bags five-for, Pakistan reach 209/9 at Tea on Day 1

Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to field first in the first Test in the two-match Test series. Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Saim Ayub did all the hard work to see out the new ball but departed in consecutive overs after putting on a 36-run stand.

From 36/0, the tourists slumped to 56/4 as Bosch and Paterson breathed fire. Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan stitched a much-needed 81-run partnership before the former was dismissed for a well-compiled 54. Rizwan also departed soon after as Pakistan landed in big trouble once again.

Also Check: South Africa vs Pakistan Test Series 2024-25: Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming, Broadcasters & All you need to know

Salman Ali Agha and Aamer Jamal forged a counter-attacking partnership of 47 runs off 53 balls to take Pakistan close to the 200-run mark. However, three wickets fell in quick succession as Pakistan were staring down the barrel at 189/9. Abbas Afridi and Khurram Shahzad formed an unbeaten 20-run stand to take Pakistan to 209/9 at the Tea interval on Day 1. Paterson has already bagged a five-for, conceding 61 runs in 16 overs. Meanwhile, Bosch has taken four wickets in 15 overs.

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