PAK vs SA: Babar Azam makes history, becomes third player to secure....

Pakistan batter Babar Azam made history and has become the third player to secure an elusive feat in Centurion, South Africa. The former Pakistan captain became the only third player to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats of the game. On the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa, Babar returned to the Test squad after being dropped during the England series.

His return was bittersweet. On one hand, he cemented his place in cricketing history, but on the other, he failed to significantly contribute to Pakistan's innings. Despite his calibre, Babar edged a delivery to Aiden Markram at second slip, departing for a disappointing 4-run knock.

Though his brief innings fell short of expectations, it marked a significant milestone. Babar became the third cricketer to surpass 4,000 runs in all three formats of international cricket, a feat previously achieved by Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

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Babar's Test tally now stands at 4,001 runs from 56 matches, averaging 43.49, with nine centuries and 26 fifties. In ODIs, the 30-year-old has amassed 5,957 runs in 123 matches, averaging 56.73 with 19 centuries and 34 fifties. In T20Is, he has scored 4,223 runs in 128 matches at an average of 39.84, including three centuries and 36 fifties. His dismissal during the opening session deepened Pakistan's woes, as wickets continued to tumble. Saud Shakeel, who appeared eager to accelerate the scoring, soon followed Babar back to the pavilion.