Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali recently etched his name in the record books by scoring his 50th first-class century. Ali achieved this significant milestone while representing Sui Northern Gas Pipeline (SNGPL) in the ongoing President’s Trophy. This accomplishment positions Ali among the elite group of Pakistani cricketers, making him the ninth from the country to reach the 50-centuries mark in first-class cricket. His illustrious career in this format has spanned 265 matches, during which he has batted in 458 innings. His total run tally in first-class cricket stands at an impressive 16,478, at an average of 39.04.
Ali celebrated the colossal achievement with his current and former teammates. He shared a video of the celebrations on X (formerly Twitter).
"Alhamdulillah celebrating 50th first-class century with two teams I played for 4 so many years. Many thanks to Sui Northern Gas and KRL for playing a big part in my career.. love you all," wrote Ali.
Though Azhar Ali has retired from international cricket, he remains active in the domestic circuit, continuing to contribute significantly to first-class cricket. His decision to keep playing reflects his passion for the game and his dedication to the sport.
Ali's legacy in Pakistan cricket, particularly in the Test format, is noteworthy. He is renowned for his triple-century against the West Indies in 2016, a feat that highlights his skill and endurance at the crease. Besides this iconic innings, he has been instrumental in several of Pakistan's victories, delivering numerous memorable performances that have cemented his status as one of Pakistan's finest batters.
Talking about his Test career, the veteran right-handed batter played the toughest format of the game for 12 years and evolved as one of the best batters Pakistan ever produced. Overall, Ali played 97 Tests and scored 7,142 runs at an average of 42.26. He scored 19 centuries and 35 fifties in international red-ball cricket.
Azhar Ali's journey to 50 first-class centuries is a testament to his consistency, technical prowess, and mental fortitude. His career has been marked by perseverance and excellence, making him an inspiring figure in the realm of cricket. His achievements serve not only as a personal milestone but also as a source of pride for Pakistan cricket, celebrating the rich legacy and talent the nation has produced in the sport.
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