PAK vs SL, 2nd Test: Ali, Azam Tons Help Pakistan Equal India's Unique Batting Feat

Pakistan's stellar batting efforts in Karachi Test helped them equal India's unique feat in Tests as it was just the second time that the top four batsman of a team scored a century in the same innings.

Pakistan's lethal hunt against Sri Lanka continued in the ongoing Karachi Test as the hosts further built on their huge lead against the visitors on Day 3 at the National Stadium. At lunch, Pakistan posted a mammoth 555 for three on board taking a massive lead of 474 runs before declaring their first innings.

Azhar Ali 💯 Babar Azam 💯

Pakistan continued their domination with the bat in the morning session of day four of the Karachi Test. They have extended their lead to 475.#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/1JM65O4wjW — ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2019

After openers Shan Masood and Abid Ali hit tons to build a strong platform for the hosts, skipper Azhar Ali scored his 16th Test century and Babar Azam added another ton to his kitty ensuring no respite for the Lankan bowlers on a placid Karachi track. Azam replicated his century knock in the first innings to register yet another ton, his fourth in all in Test cricket.

Babar Azam joins the party! 🎉

He becomes the fourth Pakistan batsman to bring up a hundred in the same innings of the Karachi Test. This his fourth 💯 in the format 🙌#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/uz3xiNw3ll — ICC (@ICC) December 22, 2019

Pakistan's superlative batting efforts ensured they created a record of sorts as it was just the second time in Test cricket that the top four batsman of a team scored a century in the same innings. India's Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar all scored tons against Bangladesh in 2007. Earlier, openers Shan Masood and Abid Ali had scored centuries becoming only the third opening pair for Pakistan to hit centuries in the same innings. Pakistan resumed their second innings at 395 for two wickets on day four of the second Test after Abid Ali and Shan Masood hit centuries on Saturday. Abid, nicknamed "legend" in Pakistan’s dressing room, hit 174 for his second hundred in as many Tests — becoming the first Pakistani and ninth batsmen overall to score two centuries in his first two Tests. When the third day’s play ended Pakistan were in a strong position with 395-2, having an overall lead of 315 after conceding an 80-run lead in the first innings. It was a day for the batsmen as Pakistan added 338 runs after resuming at 57-0 on a National Stadium pitch which dried up to help batting. Masood blasted 135 for his second century in his 19th Test as the duo put on 278 for the opening wicket, just 20 short of equalling the highest opening stand for Pakistan of 298.