'Man with Midas touch': Twitter erupts with joy as Babar Azam picks up first Test wicket of career
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Sajid Khan may have clinched a dozen scalps in Pakistan's thumping yet thrilling win against Bangladesh in the second Test in Dhaka on Wednesday, but it was skipper Babar Azam's first and only Test wicket that got the Twitterati excited even more.
With overs running out and Tigers' tale frustrating the hosts, skipper Babar sprang a major surprise by introducing himself in the bowling attack for only the second time in his Test career; he had bowled his first in the opening innings.
To everyone's surprise, the gamble paid off immediately this time, with Babar trapping Mehidy Hasan Miraz in front of the wickets.
The breakthrough provided by the skipper at a crucial stage also proved to be the turning point as Sajid then cleaned up the next three Bangladesh batters, thus wrapping up their innings at 205.
Azam's rare feat with the ball drew immediate reactions from pundits, fans and journalists.
'Babar Azam is a genius'
Daniel Alexander, a cricket expert from Sri Lanka, hailed skipper Azam for his ability to perform multiple roles with precision.
Babar draws tongue-in-cheek Cummins comparison
Cricket statistician Mazher Arshad jokingly hailed the Pakistan and Australian skippers — Azam and Pat Cummins — for hogging the limelight with the ball in their respective Test matches today. Cummins had claimed a five-for for Australia against England in the Ashes earlier in the day.
'New allrounder in town'
Journalist Humanyun Ahmed Khan called the skipper a "magician", saying Pakistan had a "new all rounder in town".
PCB can't contain its excitement
Even, the Pakistan Cricket Board was surprised at the captain's newfound prowess with the ball.
'Stop winning my heart, again and again!'
Business journalist Ariba Shahid had a request for the all-format skipper.
'King' Babar Azam
Another user, named Ihtisham ul Haq, dubbed Azam the 'king' after his first Test wicket.
Writer and Twitter funnyman Dennis Freedman had this to say:
Another Twitter user noted that Azam has the Midas touch.
Here is a replay of Azam's first-ever Test wicket.
