Babar Azam : Pakistan cricket fans were in for a treat when Kamran Ghulam made a spectacular debut, scoring a sensational century during the second Test against England. However, what stole the spotlight just as much was Babar Azam’s heartwarming Instagram post that quickly went viral. The former Pakistan captain, who was dropped from the playing XI due to a prolonged slump in form, took to social media to applaud Ghulam’s remarkable feat, and the cricketing world couldn’t stop talking about it.
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Kamran Ghulam’s Dream Test Debut
Kamran Ghulam’s Test debut will go down in the history books as one of the most memorable moments for Pakistan cricket. Walking in at 19/2, the 29 year old shouldered immense pressure as he stepped in to fill the shoes of none other than Babar Azam. But Ghulam, composed and determined, delivered a batting masterclass, scoring a gritty 118 off 224 balls. His innings, adorned with 11 boundaries and a six, helped rescue Pakistan from an early collapse and put them in a strong position.
His emotional celebration after reaching the century was a heartfelt moment, as he acknowledged the support of his father, who was present in the stands. The roar, the joy, and the relief were clear for everyone to see.
Babar Azam’s Instagram Tribute
Despite being sidelined, Babar Azam’s sportsmanship shone through when he posted a simple yet powerful congratulatory message on his Instagram story. Sharing a photograph of Ghulam’s century celebration, Babar wrote, “Well played, Ghulam.” This three word post went viral, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
Babar’s gesture was not only a nod to Ghulam’s exceptional performance but also a testament to his own humility and grace, proving that his admiration for talent transcends personal challenges.
The Partnership That Saved Pakistan
Ghulam’s century wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was crucial for Pakistan’s recovery. His massive 149 run partnership with Saim Ayyub (77 off 160) stabilized Pakistan’s innings after a shaky start. By the end of Day 1, Pakistan posted 259/5, with Mohammad Rizwan (37*) and Agha Salman (5*) holding fort at the crease.
The stellar partnership between Ghulam and Ayyub underscored the importance of calm, disciplined batting in Test cricket, a lesson that both debutants showcased brilliantly.
Babar Azam’s Struggles and Exclusion
Babar Azam’s absence from the Test team has been a hot topic of debate. The star batter has been going through a rough patch, managing just 366 runs at an average of 20.33 since 2023, with no half centuries in his last 18 innings. His last significant knock came in December 2022 when he scored 161 against New Zealand.
With Pakistan losing the first Test of the series, Babar was dropped in an effort to shake things up. However, his graceful reaction to Ghulam’s success has won him admiration from fans and critics alike, even as discussions around his form continue.
Kamran Ghulam: Years of Hard Work Pay Off
After the day’s play, Ghulam opened up about the pressure of replacing a player of Babar Azam’s caliber. “It has been frustrating waiting for nearly four years to finally get a chance to play for Pakistan. I had so much passion and wanted to do well when I got the chance,” he said. His perseverance and consistent performances in domestic cricket finally paid off, and his debut century is a testament to his dedication.
Ghulam’s story is one of patience and resilience, showing the rewards that come with years of hard work in the shadows of domestic cricket.
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FAQs
Who scored a century on Test debut for Pakistan against England?
Kamran Ghulam scored a century on his Test debut during the second Test against England
