Fawad Alam becomes second fastest Pakistani to score 12,000 first-class runs

Test cricketer Fawad Alam added another feather to his cap on Wednesday when he became the second-fastest Pakistani to complete 12,000 runs in first-class cricket.

34-year-old Fawad played a brilliant knock of 211 — his fourth career double-hundred in the format — at Karachi’s National Stadium in Quaid e Azam Trophy match against Southern Punjab.

He reached the milestone when he took the 105th run during his innings.

The batsman from Sindh completed his 12,000 first-class runs in his career 257th inning, making him the second-fastest Pakistani to reach the 12,000-figure in red-ball cricket.

The fastest Pakistani to have reached the milestone is Hanif Mohammad, who achieved the feat in 231 innings.

The 211 run innings improved Fawad’s career first-class average to 56.57, the best ever firs-class average by a Pakistani batsman.

Of all the players who made their first-class debuts in 2000's and have batted for at least 100 innings, Fawad’s batting average is the third-best after India’s Hanuma Vihari (59.82 in 120 innings) and Australia’s Steven Smith (58.45 in 222 innings).

Fawad had last played a Test for Pakistan in 2009 and despite scoring a century on his debut, the batsman did not get a proper chance to represent Pakistan, for reasons unknown.

It has become a curious case as not-picking Fawad seems one of the few consistents in the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The PCB consulted various chairmen, several selection committee members, and different captains, none of whom opted for Fawad in the Test squad.

Although, he did get a little opportunity with the white ball.

Sarfaraz Ahmed, the former captain of the Pakistan Cricket team, said that Fawad was close to selection when he was leading the Pakistan team but couldn’t make it to the final squad.

“He was considered and was close to being picked but we had to opt for the best possible squad for the Pakistan team,” Sarfaraz told media in Karachi.

However, he appreciated Fawad’s determination.

“What I like about him is that he never gives up. I hope he gets the chance soon,” Sarfaraz said while talking about Fawad's innings.