Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam delivered an outstanding performance in the Test series against the West Indies, finishing as the leading run-scorer and equalling the historic record of former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram for the most Player of the Series awards won by a Pakistani in international cricket.Babar maintained impressive form with the bat throughout the two-match Test series, scoring 193 runs in four innings at an outstanding average of 96.50.

His consistent performances made him the highest run-scorer of the series.He scored 23 runs in the first innings of the opening Test before producing a responsible half-century in the second innings. In the first innings of the second Test, Babar played a crucial knock of 88 runs, helping Pakistan secure a vital first-innings lead of 43 runs.In the final innings of the series, Babar remained unbeaten on 24 off 30 balls, striking two sixes and two fours as Pakistan comfortably chased down the 75-run target.

For his exceptional performances, Babar was named the joint Player of the Series alongside West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, who scored 111 runs in four innings and also claimed seven wickets during the series. The award marked Babar's first-ever Player of the Series honour in Test cricket and the 10th of his international career. Before this, he had won the award five times in T20 Internationals and four times in One Day Internationals. 

With his 10th Player of the Series award, Babar has now equalled the Pakistan record jointly held by former captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram for the most such honours in international cricket. Former fast bowler Waqar Younis occupies fourth place on the list with nine Player of the Series awards. Imran Khan won eight Player of the Series awards in Test cricket and two in One Day Internationals, while Wasim Akram claimed seven in Tests and three in ODIs. Babar's tally now includes one in Test cricket, four in ODIs and five in T20 Internationals.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)