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Azhar's historic triple century puts Pakistan in control vs Windies

October 15, 2016 08:11 IST

Azhar became the first man to score a triple century in a day-night Test

Azhar Ali

IMAGE: Azhar Ali of Pakistan celebrates his triple century during Day Two of the First Test between Pakistan and West Indies at Dubai International Cricket Ground. Photograph: Francois Nel/Getty Images.

Azhar Ali tormented West Indian bowlers for 11 hours as he struck 302 not out to put Pakistan firmly in control of the first day-night Test in Dubai on Friday.

The opener stroked 23 fours and hoisted two sixes in his 469-ball knock as he became the fourth Pakistani batsman to breach the 300-run mark before the hosts declared their first innings on 579 for three in the pink ball contest.

Azhar, 31, belted an overpitched delivery by Jermaine Blackwood through the covers for four to notch up his triple ton and an impressive record in the match -- becoming the first man to score a triple century in a day-night Test.

The right-hander, who enjoyed a fruitful 215-run partnership with fellow opener Sami Aslam (90) on Thursday, joined forces with Asad Shafiq (67) to pile on 137 runs for the second wicket. He added 165 with test debutant Babar Azam (69).

Hanif Mohammad (337), Inzamam ul-Haq (329) and Younus Khan (313) were the previous triple centurions for Pakistan.

In only the second day-night Test, West Indies were 69-1 at the close of day two.

Scorecard:

Pakistan, first innings (overnight 279-1)

Sami Aslam b Chase 90

Azhar Ali not out 302

Asad Shafiq c and b Bishoo 67

Babar Azam c Holder b Bishoo 69

Misbah-ul-Haq not out 29

Extras: (b1, lb9, nb11, w1) 22

Total: (for three wkts; 155.3 overs dec) 579

Fall of wickets: 1-215 (Aslam), 2-352 (Shafiq), 3-517 (Azam)

Bowling: Gabriel 22-3-99-0 (10nb), Cummins 25-2-99-0 (1w), Holder 25-4-73-0, Brathwaite 14-2-56-0, Bishoo 35-4-125-2, Chase 33-2-109-1, Blackwood 1.3-0-8-0

West Indies Ist innings

K. Brathwaite not out 32

L. Johnson lbw b Shah 15

D. Bravo not out 14

Extras: (b8) 8

Total: (for one wkt; 22 overs) 69

Fall of wicket: 1-42 (Johnson)

Bowling: Amir 5-0-13-0, Sohail 4-0-14-0, Shah 7-3-13-1, Riaz 4-0-17-0, Nawaz 2-1-4-0

Source: REUTERS
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