Pakistan’s Kamran Ghulam made an impressive mark on his Test debut by scoring a brilliant century against England on Day 1 of the second Test in Multan. Replacing former Pakistan captain Babar Azam in the playing XI, Ghulam showcased composure against a challenging English bowling attack.
The 29-year-old scored 118 off 224 balls, hitting 11 boundaries and one six. His performance helped Pakistan recover from a shaky start at 19-2, forming a crucial 149-run partnership with Saim Ayub, who contributed 77. Ghulam reached his milestone in 280 minutes, becoming the 12th Pakistani batter to score a century on debut.
https://x.com/TheRealPCB/status/1846156543198155134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1846156543198155134%7Ctwgr%5E38d39cfe4c7beb85658c906a1c42612f848c4417%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesbull.com%2Fsports%2Fbabar-azam-reacts-the-first-time-after-kamrans-century-372196.html
Babar Azam’s Supportive Gesture
Babar Azam, dropped from the squad after a poor run, showed his sportsmanship by congratulating Ghulam on his century. Babar took to social media to share his support, posting on his Instagram story, “Well played Kamran.”
This gesture highlighted Babar’s encouragement despite being replaced by the newcomer. Ghulam, in return, acknowledged Babar’s contributions to Pakistan cricket and expressed his joy in scoring a hundred in his first Test appearance.
Overcoming Early Struggles
Ghulam’s century marked a turning point for Pakistan after an early collapse. England spinner Jack Leach had struck twice within the first hour, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position. However, Ghulam’s defiant innings, alongside Ayub, helped steady the ship.
The pair added 149 runs for the third wicket, with Ghulam later contributing another 65 runs in partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. His innings, lasting 323 minutes, ended when Shoaib Bashir bowled him just before the day’s close. Reflecting on his achievement, Ghulam attributed his success to patience, describing his century as a reward for the long wait to break into the national team.
Kamran Ghulam’s debut century not only showcased his immense talent but also underscored the importance of perseverance. After waiting for his opportunity, Ghulam seized the moment, delivering a knock that steadied Pakistan after early setbacks.
His performance was a testament to his skill and mental resilience, while Babar Azam’s supportive gesture reflected the camaraderie within the team. Ghulam’s debut hundred is sure to boost his confidence as he looks to build on this remarkable start in his international career.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagramfor more such updates.