Babar Azam Matches Steve Smith's WTC Fifty Record

May 18, 2026

53 min

May 18, 2026 02:31

Babar Azam matches Steve Smith’s WTC record but gets little support from teammates

## Babar Azam's Milestone

During the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, Babar Azam reached a significant milestone by scoring his 31st Test half-century. This achievement allowed him to equal Steve Smith's record of 20 fifties in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), placing him alongside Smith and Zak Crawley in joint third place. Joe Root and Marnus Labuschagne lead the list with 22 and 24 fifties, respectively.

## Pakistan's Struggles

Despite Babar's impressive 68 off 84 balls, Pakistan's batting lineup faltered, collapsing to 232 in response to Bangladesh's 278. Sajid Khan contributed with a quick 38, but the team still conceded a 46-run deficit. Bangladesh's bowlers, including Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam, were effective, each taking three wickets.

## Bangladesh in Control

By the end of day two, Bangladesh had strengthened their position, reaching 110 for 3 in their second innings, leading by 156 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto remained not out on 13, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored a brisk 52. Earlier, Litton Das had rescued Bangladesh with a crucial 126 in their first innings.

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