Who was the last Pakistan batter to score a hundred on Test debut before Kamran Ghulam?
In the ongoing second Test against England, Pakistani cricketer Kamran Ghulam stepped in for star batter Babar Azam and made an outstanding debut, scoring a century. With this achievement, he became the 13th Pakistani player to reach this milestone in Test cricket.
Coming in at number four when the team was struggling at 19/2, Kamran formed a vital 149-run partnership with Saim Ayub for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings. The 29-year-old brought up his fifty in 104 balls and continued to showcase his talent, ultimately scoring 118 runs off 224 balls, with 11 boundaries and a six.
Kamran's selection was well-earned; since his first-class debut in 2013, he has amassed 4,377 runs in 59 matches, averaging 49.17, with 20 fifties and 16 centuries to his name.
Abid Ali was the last player before Kamran Ghulam to score a century on Test debut for Pakistan
In December 2019, Pakistan faced Sri Lanka in the first match of a two-Test series in Rawalpindi. After choosing to bat first, Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne contributed a solid 59 runs off 110 balls, but it was Dhananjaya de Silva who truly shone with an impressive unbeaten century of 102 runs from 166 balls, featuring 15 fours.
The match was hampered by poor light and rain over the first three days, resulting in only 91.5 overs being bowled, and Day 4 was completely washed out. On Day 5, Sri Lanka declared their innings at 308 for six after 97 overs.
In response, debutant Abid Ali delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 109* off 201 balls, with 11 boundaries. Babar Azam also remained unbeaten, contributing 102 runs off 128 balls. Pakistan finished the day at 252 for two after 70 overs, and the match ended in a draw.
Abid Ali was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome in December 2021
Abid Ali last played for Pakistan in a Test match against Bangladesh in December 2021. Later that month, he reported chest pain while batting in a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match and was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
He underwent an angioplasty the following day. Four months later, he was cleared to return to international cricket after his recovery.
The right-handed batter last played in a List A match on October 13 for Sui Northern, scoring 14 runs.
Since debuting at 31, Abid has represented Pakistan in 16 Tests, accumulating 1,180 runs at an average of 49.16, including three fifties and four centuries. He has also participated in six ODIs, scoring 234 runs with one fifty and one century.
The 37-year-old also became the only player in history to score centuries on his Test and ODI debuts.