PAK v ENG 2022: ‘For the final time’- Azhar Ali bids emotional farewell; receives guard of honor after his final Test innings

Azhar Ali finished his career with 7142 runs in 97 Tests.

Azhar Ali receives a plaque signed by Pakistan team  | GettyFormer Pakistan captain and one of the best batters they have produced, Azhar Ali ended his Test career with a duck after he was clean bowled by Jack Leach in the second innings on day 3 of the third Test against England in Karachi on December 19, 2022.

Azhar Ali had announced his retirement from international cricket before this Karachi Test and in the first innings, he scored a gritty 45 runs before falling to Olli Robinson as Pakistan posted 304 runs in their first innings.

England replied with 354 runs with Harry Brook making 111 and Ben Foakes and Ollie Pope hitting half-centuries.

England spinner Jack Leach then hurt Pakistan on day three, picking three wickets- Abdullah Shafique (26), and Shan Masood (24) and then accounted for Azhar Ali as well, who fell for a four-ball duck.

After Ali was dismissed, the England players immediately rushed to shake his hands led by captain Ben Stokes and bowler Jack Leach.

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England clapped as Ali made his way back to the pavilion and near the boundary ropes, he was given a guard of honor by the Pakistani players as he crossed the ropes for the final time in his career.

Azhar Ali finished his Test career with 7142 runs in 97 Tests at an average of 42.26, 19 centuries and 35 fifties, and the best score of 302*. He was the first batter to score a triple ton in day-night Tests.

The PCB posted a video of his farewell after his dismissal with the caption reading: “For the final time. Farewell, @AzharAli_

 

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 19 Dec, 2022

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