Pakistan’s three debutants, Tayyab Arif, Muhammad Taha and Arafat Minhas, have equalled a 24-year-old Test cricket record after all three scored half-centuries in the same innings during the ongoing Rawalpindi Test against Sri Lanka.
The achievement marked only the second occasion in Test cricket history that three players making their debuts scored half-centuries in the same team innings.
Tayyab Arif, who was among four players added to Pakistan’s initial 14-member squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, opened the innings alongside Azaan Awais on the first day of the opening Test.
The right-handed batter made an impressive start to his Test career, scoring 57 runs off just 51 deliveries. His innings included nine boundaries and one six.
Muhammad Taha and Arafat Minhas Complete the Record
Following Tayyab’s impressive performance, 26-year-old all-rounder Muhammad Taha also made his mark in his debut Test innings.
He scored a composed 51 off 105 balls, hitting five boundaries to strengthen Pakistan’s batting effort.
All-rounder Arafat Minhas completed the historic achievement on the second day after coming in to bat at number eight.
He scored 52 runs from 72 deliveries, including nine fours and a six, helping Pakistan take its first-innings total beyond the 400-run mark.
Zimbabwe Players Previously Achieved the Feat in 1992
According to the report, the only previous instance of three Test debutants scoring half-centuries in the same innings dates back to 1992.
During Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test against India, Grant Flower, Dave Houghton and Andy Flower all scored more than 50 runs.
Captain Dave Houghton led the way with an outstanding 121, while Grant Flower contributed 82 and Andy Flower scored 59.
Pakistan’s three debutants have now matched that historic achievement, adding a memorable milestone to their first appearances in Test cricket.