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Kamran Ghulam, a 29-year-old right-handed batsman, made a memorable mark on his Test debut by scoring a century against England in the ongoing second Test at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Stepping in for the out-of-form Babar Azam, Ghulam displayed his prowess with the bat, reaching the three-figure mark with a boundary on the last ball of the 74th over. His knock, which included eight fours and a six, spanned 192 balls and formed a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket with opening batsman Saim Ayub, who contributed 77 runs off 160 deliveries.
Ghulam's inclusion in the Pakistan squad came as a surprise to many, given Babar's previous status as captain and his experience. However, Babar's recent slump in form, characterized by 18 consecutive innings without a half-century, led to his omission from the last two Tests of the series. His removal from the squad, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, shocked fans and former cricketing greats. Ghulam's impressive performance has, at least for now, justified his selection and silenced some of the criticisms surrounding Babar's absence.
Ghulam's achievement adds his name to a prestigious list of Pakistani batters who have achieved a century on their Test debut. He joins the ranks of legendary players like Khalid Ibadulla, Javed Miandad, Saleem Malik, and Younis Khan, highlighting the talent and potential of this young batsman. His remarkable performance has instilled hope and excitement among Pakistani cricket fans, suggesting a bright future for Ghulam in the world of Test cricket.
Source: Babar Azam's Replacement Kamran Ghulam Scores Century On Test Debut Against England