Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan lapped up spinner Sajid Khan’s iconic thigh-five celebration by two replicas making for him in their first Test against the West Indies at Multan Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
That moment was memorable when Pakistan sealed a comfortable 127-run victory over the visitors. Mimicking Sajid’s signature celebration, Babar and Rizwan ran out on the field following the match in an adorably viral sight for fans.
Earlier, Sajid revealed he wanted Babar and Rizwan to complete his celebration if he could take a five-wicket haul in the second innings. ‘I don’t know who does that, but kids in the crowd do my celebration and Kamran Ghulam [in the dressing room] do that.’ If he takes five wickets in the next innings, I would want Babar and Rizwan to do it, Sajid said.
The right-arm spinner, who has been a near unplayable menace with the ball since Pakistan’s home series against England beginning in October, reached a significant landmark in this match. Sajid achieved his 50th Test wicket by dismissing West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite to write his name into the record books.
This feat of being the third fastest Pakistani bowler to reach the 50-wicket mark in just his 11th Test match brought him to the mark. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah became the first bowler to achieve 50 Test wickets in nine games, the quickest mark.
Besides Waqar Younis, Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Abbas share the second position. Sajid’s starring role also suggests he is fast establishing himself as a gun for Pakistan.
