Saud Shakeel made headlines by achieving a remarkable milestone in Pakistan’s cricket history. On the first day of the opening Test against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on August 21, 2024, Shakeel equaled a long-standing record by becoming the joint-fastest Pakistani batter to reach 1,000 Test runs.
Shakeel reached this milestone in just his 20th innings, matching the record set by Saeed Ahmed over 60 years ago. This achievement came as Shakeel played a crucial role in rebuilding Pakistan’s innings after early setbacks.
This accomplishment cements Shakeel’s place among Pakistan’s elite cricketers, adding another chapter to the country’s rich cricketing legacy.
Here’s a look at the top five fastest Pakistan batters to reach 1,000 Test runs by innings.
#5 Taufeeq Umar – 24 Innings
Taufeeq Umar, a reliable opening batter, reached the 1,000-run mark in 24 innings, placing him fifth on this list. Debuting in 2001, Umar was known for his solid technique and patience at the crease.
In his career, Umar played 43 Tests, scoring 2,943 runs at an average of 38.72. His achievements include seven centuries and 14 half-centuries, with a top score of 236, showcasing his ability to play long, match-defining innings for Pakistan.
#4 Javed Miandad – 23 Innings
Javed Miandad, one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricketers, reached 1,000 Test runs in just 23 innings. Known for his aggressive batting and sharp cricketing mind, Miandad had an illustrious career spanning from 1975 to 1996.
Over 124 Tests, Miandad amassed 8,832 runs with an impressive average of 52.57. His career highlights include 23 centuries and 43 half-centuries, with a highest score of 280*.
#3 Sadiq Mohammad – 22 Innings
Sadiq Mohammad, another notable figure in Pakistan’s cricket history, reached 1,000 Test runs in 22 innings, making him the second-fastest Pakistani to achieve this milestone. Debuting in 1969, Sadiq was known for his resilience and technical skills.
Throughout his 41-Test career, Sadiq scored 2,579 runs at an average of 35.81, including five centuries and ten half-centuries. His highest score of 166 often provided much-needed stability at the top of Pakistan’s batting order.
#2 Saeed Ahmed – 20 Innings
Saeed Ahmed, a distinguished player in Pakistan cricket, was the first to reach 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings, setting this record in 1959 during a Test match against Australia in Karachi. This record remained unmatched for 65 years until Saud Shakeel equaled it.
Ahmed’s career, spanning from 1958 to 1973, saw him play 41 Tests, scoring 2,991 runs at an average of 40.41. His consistent performances included five centuries, with a top score of 172, establishing him as one of the most dependable batters of his era.
#1 Saud Shakeel – 20 Innings
Saud Shakeel, the newest addition to Pakistan’s list of record-breaking batters, matched Saeed Ahmed’s record by reaching 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings. Since making his Test debut in 2022, Shakeel has been a consistent middle-order performer. Before this match, he had accumulated 967 runs in 19 innings, including two centuries and six half-centuries, with a career-best double hundred against Sri Lanka in Galle.
Shakeel’s ability to handle pressure was evident as he played a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s innings against Bangladesh. With this record, Shakeel joins the ranks of some of the greatest names in Pakistan’s cricket history.
