Azhar Ali scores 16th century of his career

KARACHI: The captain Azhar Ali scored his 16th century in a test match on Sunday as Pakistan and Sri Lanka entered the fourth day of the second Test being played in National Stadium Karachi.

Azhar Ali’s century, his first as a captain and at home, came off 142 balls. It was a return to form for Ali, who has been unimpressive since he assumed captaincy, making fans spectators doubt the selectors’ decision to choose him for the role. He bowed out after scoring 118 and was replaced by Mohammad Rizwan.

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This is the 16th time that three Pakistani batsmen have scored centuries and the first time that the top three of the lineup have reached three digits in a single match.

Earlier, openers Abid Ali (174) and Shan Masood (135) had both built a solid partnership, paving the way towards a likely victory for Pakistan.

Ali’s partner Babar Azam has also scored a half-century. Pakistan were 503 after 123 overs. The Karachi Test, which is being played in the National Stadium the first five-day match at the venue after a gap of 10 years and nine months.