![Saud Shakeel for Pakistan [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794574981011_SaudShakeelbatting.jpg?type=hq)
Saud Shakeel for Pakistan [Source: X]
Saud Shakeel came agonisingly close to achieving a rare batting feat during Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The left-handed batter produced two important knocks but fell short of three figures on both occasions, adding his name to a select group of players in Test cricket history.
Despite his consistent efforts across the two innings, Shakeel could not convert either start into a century, as Pakistan eventually settled for a draw in the first Test at Rawalpindi.
Saud Shakeel Becomes Sixth Batter to Get Out in the Nervous 90s in Both Innings of a Test
Saud Shakeel became only the sixth batter in Test cricket history to be dismissed in the nervous 90s in both innings of a Test match. The Pakistan batter scored 93 in the first innings before adding another 97 in the second, narrowly missing out on centuries on both occasions.
In Pakistan’s first innings, Shakeel spent 199 deliveries at the crease and struck nine boundaries. He formed an important part of the middle order after the hosts had made a steady start, helping them reach 434/9 before the declaration.
However, his innings ended when Asitha Fernando dismissed him, with Kusal Mendis completing the catch behind the stumps.
The left-hander came even closer to the three-figure mark in the second innings. Batting for 210 deliveries, he scored 97 runs with the help of seven boundaries. His dismissal came when Lahiru Kumara bowled him, ending another patient effort just three runs short of a century.
With these scores, Shakeel joined an exclusive list featuring Clem Hill, Frank Woolley, Gordon Greenidge and Mahela Jayawardene. Hill had scores of 98 and 97 against England in Adelaide in 1902, while Woolley registered 95 and 93 against Australia at Lord's in 1921.
Players Dismissed in Nervous 90s in both Innings of the Test Match:
- 98 & 97 - Clem Hill (Australia) vs England, Adelaide, 1902
- 95 & 93 - Frank Woolley (England) vs Australia, Lord's, 1921
- 91 & 96 - Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) vs Pakistan, Georgetown, 1977
- 91 & 97 - Gordon Greenidge (West Indies) vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 1980
- 92 & 96 - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) vs New Zealand, Colombo (SSC), 2009
- 93 & 97 - Saud Shakeel (Pakistan) vs Sri Lanka, Rawalpindi, 2026, This Match*
Greenidge achieved the feat twice, scoring 91 and 96 against Pakistan in Georgetown in 1977 before making 91 and 97 against New Zealand in Christchurch in 1980. Jayawardene recorded scores of 92 and 96 against New Zealand in Colombo in 2009.
Saud Shakeel Continues Impressive Run of Form in Red-Ball Cricket
Shakeel's twin scores against Sri Lanka further underscored his consistency in the longest format.
The Pakistan batter has enjoyed a productive run in red-ball cricket, carrying strong performances from the President Trophy 2026 into the Test series. In the President Trophy, Shakeel accumulated 438 runs across eight innings at an average of 62.57 and a strike rate of 68.33.
His campaign included two centuries: 100 in the 9th Test on September 24 and 112 in the first innings of the 24th Test on October 14. His scores of 93 and 97 against Sri Lanka continued that trend.
