Babar Azam’s return to form in the longest format of the game on Day 3 of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Centurion on December 28 was a significant moment for both him and the Pakistan cricket team. After an agonizing two-year drought of half-centuries, Babar marked his comeback with a composed 50 runs off 85 balls, featuring nine elegant boundaries. His fifty was especially noteworthy, as it was his first score above fifty in Tests since December 26, 2022, when he scored a majestic 161 against New Zealand in Karachi.
Babar resumed his innings on the overnight score of 16, as rain briefly delayed play. Upon the resumption, he showed no signs of rust, quickly getting into his groove with a delightful shot through the off-side. His first runs of the day came in the form of a short, wide delivery from Kagiso Rabada, which he dispatched confidently to the boundary. He continued to display his mastery against Rabada, playing a gorgeous flick to the leg side for another boundary in the following over. Later, Babar was lucky when a bouncer from Rabada flew over the gully region, sailing to the boundary to add to his growing tally. These shots were not only well-executed but showcased his composure, helping him settle into the innings and provide some stability for Pakistan.
What was most impressive about Babar’s knock was his ability to find the gaps consistently. He was not just relying on aggressive shots, but also playing smart, calculating cricket, with a focus on rotating the strike and playing the long game. He was in complete control of his shot selection, knowing when to attack and when to rein in his aggression. His innings also featured a lovely back-foot drive that signaled his confidence and form.
In the 36th over, after calling for a quick single off Corbin Bosch, Babar brought up his fifty — a significant achievement given the pressure on him to perform. It was his 27th Test fifty, but one that was long-awaited, as Babar had endured a lean patch in the longest format, averaging just 21 in his previous 20 innings. His last fifty had come nearly two years ago, in that memorable knock of 161 against New Zealand. This innings, after such a long gap, proved that the talented Pakistani batter still had the skill and temperament to succeed on the biggest stages.
Babar’s fifty helped Pakistan cross the 150-run mark in their second innings, and with his steady partnership with Saud Shakeel — who made a patient 79-run stand with him — the pair managed to put Pakistan in a strong position, leading by 63 runs over South Africa’s first-innings total. Their efforts were crucial, with Pakistan having previously struggled to stabilize their innings in the match.
However, Babar’s stay at the crease came to an end when he mistimed a shot and found the hands of short cover, giving Marco Jansen his third wicket. Babar’s dismissal at 50 left Pakistan at 153/4, and despite his valiant effort, the team soon faced further setbacks. Mohammad Rizwan (3) and Salman Agha (1) followed Babar back to the pavilion, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 171/6 with an 81-run lead. Marco Jansen’s fiery spell continued, and he bagged his third five-wicket haul in Tests, further tightening the grip on Pakistan.
Babar’s knock, though short-lived, was a welcome return to form for the Pakistan captain, who had been under pressure due to his prolonged run of low scores. His composed innings were a reminder of his class and potential, and it was a pivotal moment for the team as they tried to set a competitive total. The match was now finely poised, with Pakistan holding a narrow lead but a vulnerable middle order. Babar’s contribution, however, ensured that the team was in a position of relative strength, though the rest of the batting lineup would need to step up if Pakistan was to push for a commanding position in the match.
The 50-run knock could prove to be a turning point in Babar’s career, especially in Test cricket, where he had faced criticism for his inconsistency in recent years. The mental fortitude he showed, coupled with his shot-making ability, was a sign that he had learned from past mistakes and was now ready to lead from the front once again. For Pakistan, Babar’s performance will be a ray of hope, as they look to rebuild their innings and secure a strong total. Whether they can capitalize on this momentum will depend on how the remaining batsmen perform in the final session and beyond.
As the Test match unfolds, one thing is clear: Babar Azam's fifty on Day 3 was more than just a personal milestone. It was a reaffirmation of his immense talent and his potential to guide Pakistan to bigger achievements in the future. The question now remains: can the rest of the Pakistan batting lineup support him and take their lead even further? Only time will tell, but for now, Babar’s return to form is a much-needed boost for the Pakistan team.
