Pak vs Aus: Azhar Ali reaches 7,000 Test-run milestone

By
AFP

March 23, 2022

Pakistans Azhar Ali (L) and Abdullah Shafique take a run during the third day of the third cricket Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 23, 2022. — AFP
Pakistan's Azhar Ali (L) and Abdullah Shafique take a run during the third day of the third cricket Test match between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 23, 2022. — AFP

  • Azhar Ali scores 7,000th Test run against Australia in Lahore.
  • Veteran Ali joins an elite list of Pakistan batsmen.
  • It took the batter 94 matches to achieve the milestone.

LAHORE: Veteran Azhar Ali scored his 7,000th Test run on Wednesday during the series decider against Australia in Lahore, joining an elite list of Pakistan batsmen.

The 37-year-old swept spinner Nathan Lyon to reach the landmark before being caught and bowled by Australia captain Pat Cummins for 78.

It took Azhar 94 matches to achieve the milestone and he becomes only the fifth Pakistan batsman and 54th in all to cross the 7,000 Test-run mark.

Read more: Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali keep Australia at bay on day three

Azhar joins Pakistan legends Younis Khan (118 Tests, 10,099 runs), Javed Miandad (104 Tests, 8,832), Inzamam-ul-Haq (119, 8,829) and Mohammad Yousuf (90, 7,530).

The three-match series against Australia is tied at 0-0 after the first two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi ended in high-scoring draws.

Azhar started his Test career against Australia at Lord's when Pakistan were playing home games at neutral venues due to security risks.

Since then, he has become a mainstay in Pakistan's batting lineup and also served as Test captain.