The cricket world is celebrating after Pakistan-born strokemaker Usman Khawaja struck a Test century in his country of birth for the first time, bringing up triple figures for Australia in the second match of the series.
The graceful left-hander reached his ton in a priceless moment during the final session of day one in Karachi, leg-glancing a Sajid Khan delivery and pinching a single, as he notched his hundred from 193 balls.
Khawaja was unbeaten at stumps on 127 and had guided Australia to 3-251.
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The 35-year-old wore a beaming smile as he took a leap and pumped his right fist after scoring his century, before embracing batting partner Steve Smith, removing his helmet and looking to the heavens as he said a prayer, those in the crowd treating him to a warm reception.
He hadn’t played a Test since Australia’s 2019 Ashes tour of England when he returned to the XI for this year’s SCG fixture, but he’s now made three tons from the six Test innings he’s had since receiving another chance.
He had also fallen agonisingly short of a century in the first Test of this series, when he lost his wicket for 97 in Rawalpindi while attempting a reverse sweep.
“Six months ago, Usman Khawaja was comfortable at the thought he’d never play Test cricket again,” wrote sports broadcaster Adam White on Twitter.
“Now he’s writing his own fairytales in Pakistan.
“Such a special cricket story.”
Cricket reporter Andrew McGlashan posted: “Rarely has a Test hundred held so much meaning for an Aussie cricketer”.
Sports journalist Andrew Wu wrote: “Special century for Usman Khawaja in his country of birth”.
And former England quick Isa Guha posted: “The story was written”.
Khawaja’s century is the first Test hundred by an Australian in Pakistan since Mark Taylor scored 334 not out in Peshawar in 1998.
Khawaja’s Karachi ton included 12 fours and a six and only offered Pakistan one chance, with an outside edge off the bowling of tweaker Nauman Ali ricocheting into wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s knee shortly after tea.
“What a superb performance! Magnificent work from Khawaja,” said former Sheffield Shield batter Mike Haysman on Fox Cricket as Khawaja advanced to his century.
“Hundred in the home of his birth … This is a moment he is going to remember for a long, long time.”
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Former Australian Test opener Simon Katich described it as “a wonderful moment”.
“This will mean a huge amount to him,” Katich said.
“It’s been a knock of class.
“He’s been in tremendous form, thoroughly deserves it.”
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