Karachi witnessed a stunning display of left-handed brilliance on Wednesday as Saud Shakeel etched his name in Test cricket history. The stylish southpaw achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first-ever batter to score a half-century in each of the first seven matches at the start of his career.
The momentous feat was accomplished during the second Sri Lanka Test, held at the prestigious Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Saud Shakeel’s consistency and prowess with the bat have set him apart, placing him in an elite league of cricketing greats.
The record-breaking spree saw Shakeel surpass the achievements of iconic names like India’s Sunil Gavaskar, Pakistan’s Saeed Ahmed, West Indies’ Basil Butcher, and New Zealand’s Bert Sutcliffe, all of whom had scored half-centuries in each of their first six Tests.
But that’s not all for the gifted batter; he also clinched the coveted Player of the Match award in the previous Test match against Sri Lanka, where Pakistan emerged victorious by four wickets in a thrilling encounter in Galle. Shakeel’s exceptional innings of 208 not out in the first innings showcased his true potential and determination.
Adding to his accolades, Shakeel also earned the distinction of being only the second Pakistan batter to smash a double century in his debut Test match away from home, cementing his position as a rising star in international cricket.
As cricket enthusiasts celebrate Saud Shakeel’s historic achievement, the left-hander’s talent and grit continue to leave an indelible mark on the sport, setting the stage for an exciting career ahead.
