Azhar looks up to the heavens after scoring his 11th Test hundred

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali became the first player to score a century in day-night Tests as he put his side in a commanding position against the West Indies on the first day of the first Test in Dubai.

In addition to becoming the first centurion in day-night Tests, Azhar also made his 11th Test century in his 50th Test. Mohammad Yousuf achieved the same feat, but Hanif Mohammad and Younis Khan are a rung above as they had scored 12 centuries in the same stage of their careers.

Choosing to bat first in Pakistan’s 400th Test match, captain Misbah-ul-Haq would have been delighted with his decision as Azhar and Sami Aslam made the West Indies toil as a result of their incredible 215-run partnership, which is the fourth-highest opening stand for Pakistan in Test history.

The West Indies struggled and tried to get a breakthrough numerous times, but it was eventually produced by Roston Chase, who clean bowled Aslam for a career-best 90, which came off 212 balls and included nine boundaries.

Aslam made his third Test fifty

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Despite Aslam’s dismissal, Pakistan didn’t back down as Azhar and Asad Shafiq added to the West Indies’ woes with an unbeaten 64-run partnership before stumps was called.

Azhar finished on 146 off 268 balls, which included 14 boundaries, while Shafiq remained undefeated on 33 off 66 deliveries, which included four boundaries.

Chase was the only bowler to take a wicket for the West Indies.

Pakistan ended day one on 279/1 and will continue batting on Friday at 15:30 local time or 11:30 GMT.