Babar Azam Scores Magnificent 176 as Pakistan Takes Command Against Australia in Karachi Test

Babar Azam produced one of the finest innings of his Test career today, crafting a magnificent 176 not out to guide Pakistan to a commanding position against Australia on Day 3 of the second Test at National Stadium in Karachi. The Pakistan captain batted with exquisite timing and patience over two days, anchoring his team's first-innings total of 487-6 declared and putting the home side in control of a match that could determine the series outcome with one game remaining.

Azam's innings was a masterclass in Test match batting, combining classical technique with intelligent shot selection as he navigated Australia's pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. The 29-year-old right-hander reached his century just before tea on Day 2, then accelerated skillfully in the final session to post his career-best Test score. His innings included 19 boundaries and showcased the temperament and skill that have made him one of the world's premier batsmen across all formats of the game.

The Pakistan captain found an ideal partner in wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed a vital 89 in a partnership of 178 runs that frustrated the Australian bowling attack throughout the morning session. Rizwan's aggressive approach provided the perfect foil for Azam's more measured style, with the pair rotating the strike efficiently while capitalizing on loose deliveries. "Babar and Rizwan batted beautifully together," said Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq. "Their partnership was the foundation for our strong position, and Babar's individual innings was simply outstanding."

Australia's bowlers struggled to find consistent lines and lengths on a Karachi pitch that offered minimal assistance to the pace bowlers, though spinner Nathan Lyon did claim three wickets to provide some resistance. The visitors will be particularly disappointed with their fielding performance, dropping two catches off Azam's bat when he was on 67 and 134, lapses that proved costly as the Pakistan captain went on to compile his highest Test score. Australia captain Pat Cummins acknowledged his team's shortcomings while praising Azam's exceptional batting.

Pakistan's declaration came with Azam unbeaten on 176 and the team in a position of strength at 487-6, setting up an intriguing battle as Australia begins their first-innings response. The home side will look to their pace attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, to exploit any assistance from the aging pitch and put pressure on Australia's batting lineup. The visitors trail the series 1-0 after losing the opening Test in Lahore and face the prospect of conceding the series if they cannot match Pakistan's substantial first-innings total.

Azam's performance continues his remarkable recent form in Test cricket, where he has scored over 500 runs in his last five innings at an average exceeding 100. The Pakistan skipper's leadership both with the bat and in the field has been instrumental in his team's resurgence in the longest format, following their disappointing World Cup campaign last year. "This innings will be remembered as one of Babar's finest," said former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram in commentary. "He showed tremendous patience and skill, and his captaincy has been exemplary throughout this series." Australia will resume their innings on Day 4 needing to bat with similar application if they hope to save the match and keep the series alive, though Pakistan's dominant position suggests they are well-placed to clinch a series victory on home soil.