Pakistan vs West Indies 2016: Azhar Ali creates history, becomes first batsman to score a double ton in day-night Test matches
History was created in Dubai as Azhar Ali became the first batsman in the history of the game to score a double-century in a day-night Test match. Azhar tormented the West Indies for the second day in succession as he dug in and got to his Double ton in the second session. In the process, he also became the sixth batsman to record a double hundred in his 50th Test. He then did the customary pushups to mark the occasion.
Ali was ably supported first by Sami Aslam, and then by Asad Shafiq as he sent the Windies bowlers and fielders running for cover. Asad Shafiq missed out on his century when he offered a simple return catch to Devendra Bishoo on 67. He was then joined by debutant Babar Azam, who too is looking at relative ease on a flat Dubai deck which is devoid of any assistance for the bowlers.
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Azhar has looked largely untroubled and has employed a solid technique to negate the Windies bowlers. His knock was a flawless one, save a minor blip just before the tea break on the second day. He tried to cut a fullish ball from Roston Chase, but offered a sharp chance to Jermaine Blackwood at first slip, who could not quite latch on to the catch.
Azhar also became the highest run-scorer at this venue when he scored 234, thus equalling the record set by former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith. The right-hander found form when he scored a timely century in the final ODI, and has carried on his form into the Test match. He came in as an opener and looked at ease right from the outset as he drove, cut and left balls from both the pace bowlers and the spinners alike. He suffered with cramps, but battled on for the team.
Pakistan ended the first day in a very dominant position as they ended at 279-1 on the opening day of the second ever day-night cricket Test on Thursday. The visitors looked toothless and clueless and none of their bowlers had any answers to the belligerence of the Pakistani openers. The openers shared a 215-run partnership for nearly five hours. Roston Chase broke the stand when he dismissed Sami Aslam for 90. This was the lone success in a very long day for West Indies.