Pakistan cricket team’s search for a reliable opener may be closer to ending than many expect, with Azan Awais firmly establishing himself as a frontrunner for the role.
The former Pakistan Under-19 stalwart has once again underlined his growing stature in domestic cricket, smashing his ninth first-class century in just his 21st match during the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26.
His unbeaten 156 against Bahawalpur not only kept Sialkot in control but also etched his name into Pakistan’s cricketing history books. This latest knock continues Awais’ remarkable streak of centuries in consecutive matches. His scores in the last three games read 134, 123, and now 156* (at the end of days play), taking his tally to nine centuries in only 36 innings. Few batters in Pakistan’s domestic circuit have ever produced such consistency so early in their careers.
Beyond the runs, Awais has achieved something historic. His first-class average currently stands at 63.13 (after day three of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy’s sixth round)—the highest ever by a Pakistani with at least 2,000 runs, surpassing Fawad Alam’s long-standing record of 54.86. Even if he were to fall on the final day, his average would remain above 61, still comfortably ahead of any compatriot in history.
This feat not only places Awais ahead of every Pakistani but also among the elite in world cricket. He now sits eighth on the all-time list of highest first-class averages, rubbing shoulders with legends such as Don Bradman (95.14), Vijay Merchant (71.64), and George Headley (69.86). Among active players, only India’s Sarfaraz Khan (63.73) ranks higher.
Highest First-Class Averages in Cricket (min 2000 runs)
| Player | Runs | Highest Score | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Bradman | 28,067 | 452* | 95.14 | 117 | 69 |
| Vijay Merchant | 13,470 | 359* | 71.64 | 45 | 52 |
| George Headley | 9,921 | 344* | 69.86 | 33 | 44 |
| Ajay Sharma | 10,120 | 259* | 67.46 | 38 | 36 |
| Bill Ponsford | 13,819 | 437 | 65.18 | 47 | 43 |
| Bill Woodfull | 13,388 | 284 | 64.99 | 49 | 58 |
| Sarfaraz Khan | 4,780 | 301* | 63.73 | 16 | 15 |
| Azan Awais | 2,020 | 203* | 63.13 | 9 | 7 |
For Pakistani fans, Azan Awais’ rise is more than just numbers. His ability to deliver under pressure, build partnerships, and maintain consistency across formats signals the arrival of a batter who could soon make the leap to international cricket. At a time when Pakistan’s batting lineup has often struggled for stability, Awais’ record-breaking feats offer hope of a new era built on reliability and flair.
As the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy continues, all eyes will remain on Azan Awais and his quest to rewrite the record books.
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Good performance by Azan Awaits but selection committee moves around beer and Rizwan Father who flopped in two consecutive ODI against South Africa