Babar Azam Draws Level With Imran Khan in Pakistan’s Test Captaincy Record Books

Babar Azam has done it again, and this time he has landed in the same breath as a Pakistan cricketing legend. His fluent fifty against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi lifted him alongside Imran Khan on a prestigious captaincy list. The big question: can he finally turn it into a hundred?

Babar Azam Joins Imran Khan on an Elite Captaincy List

Pakistan captain Babar Azam reached a fresh milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Monday, November 9. His half-century was his 19th fifty-plus score in Tests as Pakistan captain.

That figure puts him level with Imran Khan in the list of most 50+ scores by a Pakistan captain in the format. It is a notable entry in the record books for a skipper still writing his chapter.

Where Babar Stands on the All-Time List

Only two Pakistan captains are ahead of Babar and Imran. Misbah-ul-Haq sits comfortably on top, with Inzamam-ul-Haq in second place.

Babar is still active, so the asterisk matters. One more fifty-plus score will push him past Imran.

How Day 1 Unfolded in Rawalpindi

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field first. Pakistan responded with a strong start, as openers Azan Awais and Tayyab Arif put together an 86-run partnership.

Then the momentum shifted. Quick wickets fell and brought Babar to the crease with the innings needing stability.

A Captain’s Innings

Babar settled in quickly and played with clear intent. He brought up his fifty off just 58 balls, hitting seven fours along the way.

The innings was the kind Pakistan needed after a wobble. It steadied the ship and kept the scoreboard moving after a promising start.

Madushanka Strikes and the Century Wait Goes On

Just when it looked like Babar would push on, Sri Lanka fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka made the breakthrough. Babar was dismissed in the post-lunch session shortly after reaching his half-century.

It was a frustrating end for a batter who looked in good touch. Another start, another fifty, and once again no hundred to show for it.

Why the Missing Hundred Matters

Babar’s fifties have become a reliable source of runs for Pakistan, but the conversion remains the talking point. Fans and analysts alike want to see the skipper move from 50s to big three-figure scores.

For a captain, a century does more than add to the tally. It sets the tone, wears down the opposition and takes pressure off the rest of the batting order.

What Comes Next in the Series

The good news for Babar is that there is plenty of cricket left. This is a two-Test series, which gives him multiple innings to move past Imran Khan.

If he keeps up this consistency, he could soon sit alone in third place. That would strengthen his case among the notable Test captains Pakistan has produced.

The Bigger Picture

Records like this show how steady Babar has been at the top of the order while leading the side. Still, the gap to Misbah-ul-Haq’s 43 fifty-plus scores is huge, a reminder of how long a captain has to stay at the top to reach the summit.

For now, the focus is on the rest of this Test. Pakistan will want their captain to push on, and Babar will want to turn the next start into the big one.

Final Word

Babar Azam’s 50 off 58 balls was more than a quick-scoring knock. It carried him onto a list that includes Imran Khan, one of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket history. The only thing missing is the hundred, and every Pakistan fan will be hoping it arrives soon.