Pakistan Test Records at Rawalpindi: Runs, Wickets, Centuries
Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh in a two-match Test series on home soil. The series will kick off with the first Test scheduled to begin on Wednesday, August 21, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to hold both Test matches at Rawalpindi, following a decision to shift the venue from the National Stadium in Karachi. This change comes as a result of ongoing construction work at the Karachi venue. Consequently, cricket fans can look forward to back-to-back red-ball encounters at Rawalpindi, making it a focal point for this exciting series.
Pakistan Aims to End Home Test Drought in Upcoming Series Against Bangladesh
Pakistan has been enduring a significant dry spell in Test cricket on home soil, with their last victory dating back to February 2021. As they prepare to face Bangladesh in a two-match Test series, Shan Masood’s team is eager to break this home win drought. With a strong historical performance against
Bangladesh, having secured 12 wins out of the 13 Tests played between the two sides, Pakistan will be confident of their chances. The team, led by Masood, will look to leverage the support of home fans to secure a series victory and end their extended period without a home Test win. The upcoming matches provide a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to restore their dominant form and deliver a compelling performance on familiar turf.
As the two-match Test series approaches, let’s take a detailed look at Pakistan’s performance in the 13 Tests that have been played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Comprehensive Performance Review of Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Here is a detailed summary of Pakistan’s performance in the 13 Test matches played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium:
Overall Record: Pakistan has secured 5 wins, faced 4 defeats, and drawn 4 of the 13 Tests played at this venue.
Highest Total: Pakistan’s highest team total at Rawalpindi is 579 for 10 in 155.3 overs, achieved against England in December 2022.
Lowest Total: The lowest total recorded by Pakistan at this ground is 145 all out in 75.5 overs, against Australia in October 1998.
Biggest Win (by Innings): Pakistan’s most significant win by innings was a dominant performance against Bangladesh, securing victory by an innings and 44 runs in February 2020.
Biggest Win (by Runs): The largest win by runs came against South Africa, where Pakistan triumphed by 95 runs in February 2021.
Top Run-Scorer: Saeed Anwar leads as the highest run-scorer with 546 runs from six Tests.
Highest Individual Score: Saleem Malik holds the record for the highest individual score with 237 runs from 328 balls, achieved against Australia in October 1994.
Highest Batting Average (Minimum 5 Innings): Saleem Malik also boasts the highest batting average at the venue, with 102.50 from 410 runs in five innings.
Most Centuries: Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam have each scored 3 centuries at this ground.
Most Half-Centuries: Aamer Sohail, Saeed Anwar, Saleem Malik, and Asif Mujtaba have each hit 2 fifties at Rawalpindi.
Most Ducks: Mushtaq Ahmed has the unfortunate record of 3 ducks in seven innings.
Most Sixes: Imam-ul-Haq has hit 6 sixes across two Tests at this venue.
Top Wicket-Taker: Waqar Younis leads in wickets with 23 scalps from five Tests.
Best Bowling Figures (Innings): Mohammad Zahid’s best innings bowling performance is 7 wickets for 66 runs in 20 overs against New Zealand in November 1996.
Best Bowling Figures (Match): Zahid also holds the record for the best match figures with 11 wickets for 130 runs in 41 overs, achieved in the same series against New Zealand.
Most Five-Wicket Hauls: Hasan Ali has claimed 2 five-wicket hauls in a single Test.
Most Dismissals: Both Moin Khan and Mohammad Rizwan share the record for the most dismissals, with 11 each.
Most Catches: Inzamam-ul-Haq leads with 6 catches in eight Tests.
Highest Partnership: The highest partnership at Rawalpindi is 323 runs for the third wicket between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Aamer Sohail against the West Indies in November 1997.
Most Matches Played: Inzamam-ul-Haq has appeared in the most Tests at this venue, featuring in 8 matches.
Most Wins as Captain: Wasim Akram has the distinction of having won 2 out of the 2 Tests he captained at Rawalpindi.
Recent Performance: In the most recent Test match held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan suffered a defeat by 74 runs against England in December 2022.
This comprehensive review highlights the significant performances and records associated with Pakistan’s Test cricket history at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, reflecting both historical successes and recent challenges.
Conclusion
**Conclusion**
Pakistan’s cricketing history at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium showcases a blend of notable successes and challenging moments. Over the course of 13 Test matches at this venue, Pakistan has achieved 5 victories, experienced 4 defeats, and recorded 4 draws. The highest team total stands impressively at 579 against England in December 2022, while their lowest total was a modest 145 against Australia in October 1998.
Noteworthy individual performances include Saeed Anwar’s top aggregate of 546 runs and Saleem Malik’s highest score of 237 runs. Malik also holds the highest batting average with 102.50, reflecting his consistent performance. In terms of centuries, Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam each have 3, while the record for the most fifties is shared by several players including Aamer Sohail and Saeed Anwar.
On the bowling front, Waqar Younis has taken the most wickets at Rawalpindi, and Mohammad Zahid’s exceptional figures of 7 for 66 in an innings and 11 for 130 in a match are particularly memorable. Hasan Ali’s two five-wicket hauls in a single Test highlight his impactful performances. The most dismissals and catches have been claimed by Moin Khan and Mohammad Rizwan, and Inzamam-ul-Haq’s highest partnership of 323 runs with Aamer Sohail is a standout achievement.
Despite these records, recent performances have shown room for improvement, as evidenced by Pakistan’s defeat by 74 runs to England in December 2022. Overall, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been a venue of significant cricketing milestones and will continue to be a critical location for Pakistan as they aim to build on their past successes and address recent challenges.