Kamran Ghulam’s Test Debut Century against England has become the talk of the cricketing world. The 29-year-old batter, who has been a dominant force in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, finally made his mark on the international stage, scoring a spectacular hundred in Multan.
For Ghulam, it was a long-awaited moment—a dream that took 11 years to materialize since his first-class debut. His performance not only helped stabilize Pakistan after a shaky start but also underscored the depth of talent in the country’s domestic cricket.
In this article, we will break down the key moments of Kamran Ghulam’s innings, analyze his impact on the Pakistan vs England Test match, and explore what this debut century means for his future in international cricket.
The Long Wait for Kamran Ghulam’s Test Debut Century
Kamran Ghulam has never shied away from expressing his desperation to play international cricket. After years of being overlooked and facing repeated squad exclusions, Ghulam’s persistence paid off when he finally got the chance to showcase his talent.
“I had been waiting for my chance. That’s all I thought about,” said Ghulam after his stunning debut century.
His determination to make the most of this opportunity is what set the stage for one of the most memorable Test debuts by a Pakistani batter.
The pressure on Ghulam was immense, particularly because he replaced the talismanic Babar Azam in the lineup. Pakistan’s top order was already in trouble when he arrived at the crease, with Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique both falling cheaply, leaving the team at a precarious 19 for 2. But Ghulam approached the innings with a calm, positive mindset.
First Innings Highlights: Kamran Ghulam Steadies Pakistan’s Ship
Kamran Ghulam’s century wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a key moment in the match. After the early wickets, Ghulam dug in, playing with a combination of patience and aggression. His vast experience in Pakistan’s first-class circuit, where he has consistently been one of the top performers, allowed him to handle the pressure and play his natural game.
Ghulam’s Domestic Record: The Foundation for Success
Ghulam’s impressive domestic record, which includes 17 first-class centuries, speaks volumes about his ability to perform under pressure. Only 12 players have scored more runs in Pakistan’s prestigious Quaid-e-Azam Trophy since his debut in 2013, with an average just shy of 50. This record placed him among the best in domestic cricket, but until this match, he hadn’t had the opportunity to translate that success to the international stage.
His partnership with Saim Ayub, worth 149 runs, was crucial in shifting the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor. Together, they fended off England’s spinners, who were beginning to dominate the early part of the match. Ghulam’s calculated aggression after lunch, including bold drives and sweeps, broke the stranglehold England had begun to exert.
Key Performances: Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub Lead the Fightback
The turning point of the Pakistan innings came when Ghulam and Saim Ayub settled in after the lunch break. Ayub, the young left-handed batter, provided the perfect foil to Ghulam’s steady play. Their 149-run partnership not only stabilized Pakistan but also set the foundation for a competitive total. Ayub fell after scoring a well-crafted 78, but Ghulam carried on, building another partnership with Mohammad Rizwan.
Kamran Ghulam’s Century: A Landmark Moment
Ghulam brought up his maiden Test century in emphatic fashion, slapping Joe Root for a boundary over midwicket. His 118-run innings was a display of maturity and class, built on years of hard work in Pakistan’s domestic system. It was a special moment, not just for Ghulam, but for Pakistan cricket as a whole. Becoming the 13th Pakistani player to score a century on Test debut is no small feat, especially in a high-stakes match against a top-tier opponent like England.
By the time Ghulam was dismissed, bowled by Shoaib Bashir after an ambitious drive, he had scored 118 runs off 200 deliveries—a knock that included 15 boundaries. His innings was the backbone of Pakistan’s total and a clear message to selectors that he is here to stay.
Key Moments of the Match: Turning the Tide
While Ghulam’s century was the highlight, several other moments in the match were pivotal.
Pakistan’s Early Collapse
At 19 for 2, it looked like England’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, would run through Pakistan’s batting lineup. Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique both fell early to spin, and the pressure was squarely on Pakistan. However, Ghulam’s arrival at the crease changed the course of the innings.
Ghulam and Ayub’s Partnership
In Pakistan’s first innings, the partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub, which yielded 149 runs, proved to be a pivotal moment. Ayub’s elegant stroke play and Ghulam’s resilience helped Pakistan recover from a perilous position and eventually post a competitive total. This partnership also eased some of the pressure off the middle and lower order, allowing players like Mohammad Rizwan to play freely.
Ghulam’s Hundred and the Crowd Reaction
The moment Kamran Ghulam reached his century, the Multan crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the significance of the occasion. For Ghulam, it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As he raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd and his teammates, it was clear that this moment would remain etched in his memory forever.
What Kamran Ghulam’s Century Means for Pakistan Cricket
Kamran Ghulam’s Test debut century holds immense significance not only for the player but also for Pakistan cricket. His emergence is a testament to the strength of the country’s domestic structure, particularly the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where Ghulam honed his skills.
This performance also sends a message to other domestic players, showing that perseverance and hard work can lead to success on the international stage. For the national team, Ghulam’s addition to the batting lineup provides further depth, especially as Pakistan prepares for more critical matches in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.
External Challenges and the Road Ahead
Ghulam’s next challenge will be to maintain his form. With Pakistan still in the early stages of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, he will have numerous opportunities to cement his place in the team. His ability to play spin with ease and his solid technique against pace make him a valuable asset in various conditions.
His debut century also comes at a time when Pakistan cricket is going through a transition, with younger players like Saud Shakeel and Abdullah Shafique already making their mark. Ghulam’s experience and maturity could serve as a stabilizing factor in an evolving batting lineup.
For more information about the series and future matches, check out the England Tour of Pakistan 2024-25 Fixtures and Results. You can also explore the full Pakistan vs England match stats.
FAQs: Kamran Ghulam’s Test debut century
Q: How many players have scored a century on Test debut for Pakistan?
A: Kamran Ghulam is the 13th Pakistani cricketer to score a century on Test debut.
Q: Who did Kamran Ghulam replace in the Pakistan lineup?
A: Ghulam replaced Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s top players, in the lineup for this match.
Q: What was the turning point in the Pakistan vs England Test match?
A: The turning point was the 149-run partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub, which helped Pakistan recover from 19 for 2.
Q: What does this century mean for Kamran Ghulam’s future?
A: This century is a major milestone for Ghulam and solidifies his place in Pakistan’s Test squad. It also highlights the strength of Pakistan’s domestic cricket system.
Conclusion: Kamran Ghulam Test Debut Century – A Dream Realized
Kamran Ghulam’s Test debut century was the culmination of years of hard work and determination. His innings not only stabilized Pakistan in a crucial match against England but also announced his arrival on the international stage. As Pakistan continues its journey in the ICC World Test Championship, Ghulam’s presence in the team will be a key factor.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into Pakistan cricket, and follow the ongoing England Tour of Pakistan for further developments. Don’t miss the action as Ghulam and Pakistan take on the world’s best in the weeks to come!
