Babar Azam Equals Steve Smith’s WTC Record with Stellar Half-Century
Babar Azam has once again etched his name into the annals of Test cricket history. Returning to the red-ball arena with a composed and elegant 68, the Pakistani skipper not only steadied his team’s innings but also achieved a monumental milestone—equaling Steve Smith’s record of 20 half-centuries in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
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Babar’s Return: Class Amidst Chaos
Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh has been far from smooth. After suffering a demoralizing defeat in the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the team found themselves slipping to eighth place in the WTC standings. Compounding their woes, they were also penalized eight points for a slow over-rate, further denting their chances in the championship cycle.
Amid the turmoil, Babar Azam’s return was eagerly anticipated. The star batter had missed the opening contest due to injury, despite speculation and debate over his availability. Now fully fit and back in the fold, he stepped into the second Test in place of opener Imam-ul-Haq—delivering exactly the kind of performance his team needed.
A Masterclass in Grit and Technique
Facing a probing Bangladesh seam attack on a pitch offering assistance, most of Pakistan’s top order faltered. But Babar stood tall. His 68 came off just 84 balls and was studded with 10 crisp boundaries—a testament to both his timing and temperament.
At a time when wickets were falling around him, Babar’s innings provided a much-needed anchor. He shared a vital partnership with Salman Ali Agha, momentarily shifting momentum in Pakistan’s favor. However, the towering Nahid Rana—Bangladesh’s rising pace sensation—struck at a crucial juncture, dismissing Babar to break the stand and send half the Pakistani lineup back to the dugout.
Making History: The WTC Half-Century Milestone
Beyond the immediate impact of his knock, this innings marked Babar’s twentieth fifty-plus score in WTC history. With that, he now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Australian legend Steve Smith, who also has 20 half-centuries in the championship’s history.
The only players ahead of them are Marnus Labuschagne (24) and Joe Root (22), two of the most prolific Test batters of the modern era. For Babar to be in such company is a landmark achievement—especially as the first Asian batter to reach this milestone.
- Marnus Labuschagne – 24 half-centuries
- Joe Root – 22 half-centuries
- Babar Azam – 20* half-centuries
- Steve Smith – 20 half-centuries
- Zak Crawley – 20 half-centuries
A Symbol of Consistency in Modern Test Cricket
What makes this achievement even more impressive is Babar’s consistency across varying conditions and oppositions. While he managed only a single fifty in the four innings against South Africa earlier in the cycle, his comeback performance in Bangladesh reaffirms his status as one of the most reliable top-order batters in world cricket.
His ability to blend grace with resilience, particularly under pressure, sets him apart. In an era where Test batting lineups often crumble under early blows, Babar continues to offer a model of composure and technical soundness.
As Pakistan look to salvage pride in the second Test and rebuild their WTC campaign, Babar Azam’s form will be pivotal. But beyond the immediate series, his achievement stands as a historic moment—not just for him, but for Asian cricket on the global Test stage.
Babar didn’t just score a half-century. He joined an elite club. And with the WTC cycle still in motion, there’s every chance he’ll soon march past Smith and into third place all on his own.
