Top 5 Babar Azam Test Scores Vs England

Babar Azam has peformed fairly well against England (X)Babar Azam has peformed fairly well against England (X)

Babar Azam, the mainstay of Pakistan's batting lineup, has delivered some memorable Test performances against England, standing tall even when the chips were down. His ability to counter tricky conditions and face some of the finest bowlers in the game has made him a thorn in England’s side.

From battling it out in hostile English conditions to showcasing his brilliance on home turf, Babar has often been the shining light for Pakistan. The Men in Green are once again set to the host the Englishmen for a three-match Test series, starting October 7.

Ahead of the PAK vs Eng 2024 series, here’s a look at Babar Azam’s top five Test performances against England.

5. 68 (155 balls) – 1st Test, Lord’s, 24 May 2018*

5. 68 (155 balls) – 1st Test, Lord’s, 24 May 2018* (X)5. 68 (155 balls) – 1st Test, Lord’s, 24 May 2018* (X)

In the 1st Test of Pakistan's 2018 tour of England at Lord's, Babar Azam played a composed knock of 68* off 120 balls, hitting 10 boundaries before being forced to retire hurt during Pakistan's first innings. His contribution helped Pakistan post a strong total of 363 in response to England's 184. 

England, despite fifties by Joe Root, Jos Buttler and Dom Bess in the second inning, were bowled out for 242, with Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Amir taking 4 wickets each. 

Pakistan comfortably chased down the target of 64, finishing on 66/1 to win by 9 wickets. Babar’s classy innings and the overall team effort ensured a comprehensive victory for Pakistan.

4. 69 (125 balls) – 1st Test, Manchester, 5 August 2020

During the 1st Test of Pakistan's 2020 tour of England at Manchester, Babar Azam played a stylish knock of 69 off 106 balls in Pakistan's first innings, which helped anchor their total of 326, alongside Shan Masood’s monumental 156. 

Despite England being bowled out for 219 in their first innings, with Ollie Pope top-scoring with 62, Pakistan struggled in their second innings, managing only 169. Babar was dismissed for 5 as Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad led England's bowling attack. 

Chasing 277 for victory, England found themselves in trouble at 117/5, but a crucial partnership between Jos Buttler (75) and Woakes (84*) helped them chase the target down, securing a thrilling 3-wicket victory.

3. 75 (123 balls) – 2nd Test, Multan, 9 December 2022

In the 2nd Test of England's 2022 tour of Pakistan in Multan, England batted first and posted 281, with Ben Duckett (63) and Ollie Pope (60) leading the charge, while Pakistan's Abrar Ahmed was the standout bowler, taking an impressive 7 wickets for 114 runs. 

In response, Pakistan managed 202, with captain Babar Azam contributing a crucial 75 off 95 balls. Saud Shakeel added 63, but Jack Leach's 4 wickets kept England in control. In their second innings, England set a target of 355 for Pakistan after scoring 275, thanks to Harry Brook's century (108) and Ben Stokes' valuable 41. 

Abrar Ahmed once again shone, taking 4 wickets. Pakistan's second innings saw valiant efforts from Saud Shakeel (94) and Imam-ul-Haq (60), but Babar Azam was dismissed for just 1. Despite a fightback, Pakistan fell short, getting bowled out for 328, with Mark Wood's 4 wickets helping England secure a 26-run victory.

2. 78 (207 balls) – 3rd Test, Karachi, 17 December 2022

2. 78 (207 balls) – 3rd Test, Karachi, 17 December 2022 (X)2. 78 (207 balls) – 3rd Test, Karachi, 17 December 2022 (X)

During the 3rd Test of England's 2022 tour of Pakistan in Karachi, Pakistan batted first and posted 304, with Babar Azam playing a crucial knock of 78 off 123 balls, stabilizing the innings alongside Azhar Ali (45) and Salman Agha (56). 

In reply, England scored 354, with Harry Brook’s magnificent 111 and Ben Foakes' 64 leading the charge, while Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali picked up 4 wickets each. Pakistan's second innings saw Babar contributing 54, and Saud Shakeel making 53, but they were bowled out for 216, as Rehan Ahmed took an impressive 5 wickets. 

England chased down the target of 167 comfortably, reaching 170/2, with Ben Duckett's 82* and Zak Crawley's quickfire 41 leading them to an 8-wicket victory, securing the series 3-0.

1. 136 (246 balls) – 1st Test, Rawalpindi, 1 December 2022

1. 136 (246 balls) – 1st Test, Rawalpindi, 1 December 2022 (X)1. 136 (246 balls) – 1st Test, Rawalpindi, 1 December 2022 (X)

In the 1st Test of England's 2022 tour of Pakistan in Rawalpindi, England posted a massive 657 in their first innings, with centuries from Zak Crawley (122), Ben Duckett (107), Ollie Pope (108), and Harry Brook (153). Pakistan responded with 579, anchored by Abdullah Shafique's 114, Imam-ul-Haq's 121, and a brilliant 136 from Babar Azam off 246 balls with 19 fours and a six. 

England's second innings declaration at 264/7, led by Harry Brook’s quick 87, set Pakistan a target of 343. In Pakistan’s second innings, Saud Shakeel’s 76 and contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (48) and Mohammad Rizwan (46) weren't enough. 

Ollie Robinson and James Anderson shared 4 wickets each to bowl Pakistan out for 268, securing a 74-run victory for England. Babar's magnificent 136 in the first innings stood out as one of the key highlights for Pakistan in the high-scoring match.