Babar Azam Equals Steve Smith’s WTC Half-Century Record – Full Breakdown
Babar Azam Equals Steve Smith in WTC Half-Century Milestone
In a performance that blended form, grit, and elegance, Babar Azam has etched his name alongside one of Test cricket’s modern greats. The Pakistani batting maestro returned to the red-ball side with a composed 68 off just 84 balls against Bangladesh, hitting ten boundaries and anchoring Pakistan’s innings during a turbulent phase. More than just a personal triumph, the knock carried immense historical weight: it marked Babar’s 20th half-century in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), a milestone that now ties him with Australian legend Steve Smith.
A Return at the Right Time
After missing the first Test in Dhaka due to injury following a strong PSL campaign, Babar’s absence was keenly felt as Pakistan suffered a batting collapse, losing the match and slipping to eighth in the WTC standings. They were also penalized eight points for a slow over-rate, compounding their woes.
With the series on the line, selectors turned to experience. Babar replaced opener Imam-ul-Haq in the playing XI for the second Test, a decision that paid immediate dividends. While other batters faltered against Bangladesh’s seamers, Babar stood tall, restoring stability and confidence to the top order.
Matching a Legend
That 68-run innings wasn’t just a statement of form—it was a landmark. It was Babar’s second half-century in this WTC cycle, bringing his career total in the championship to 20. This places him level with Steve Smith, one of the most prolific Test batters of the last decade.
The significance is not lost on cricket followers. Babar is now the first Asian batter to reach this mark in WTC history, joining an elite group of red-ball performers.
Where He Stands Among the Greats
Only two batters have more 50+ scores in the WTC era:
- Marnus Labuschagne – 24
- Joe Root – 22
Babar now shares the next tier with Smith and Zak Crawley, both also on 20. To be mentioned in the same breath as Smith—renowned for his technical mastery and mental resilience—confirms Babar’s consistency and stature in the longest format.
Building a Legacy
While Babar’s overall Test average may still be a talking point among critics, his performance in the WTC framework highlights his ability to deliver when it matters. Across series against strong sides like South Africa and now Bangladesh, he has repeatedly come through with vital contributions.
This innings, anchored in timing and discipline, reminded fans why he remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. Even after forming a promising partnership with Salman Ali Agha, his dismissal by Nahid Rana—a lanky pacer who troubled Pakistan in the first Test—shifted momentum back to Bangladesh, underscoring Babar’s pivotal role in the innings.
What Lies Ahead
As Pakistan look to bounce back in the series and climb the WTC table, Babar’s presence provides much-needed stability. With three WTC cycles now under his belt, his ability to consistently score fifties—even when centuries remain elusive—reflects a mature, dependable approach.
Reaching 20 half-centuries is no small feat. It speaks of resilience, adaptability, and class across conditions and oppositions. Babar Azam, once viewed primarily as a white-ball phenomenon, is firmly establishing himself as a red-ball force.
Now level with Steve Smith, the next target is clear: overtake him, and close the gap on Labuschagne and Root. For Pakistani cricket, Babar’s journey in Test cricket is just entering its most compelling phase.
