ISLAMABAD: Pakistan rising star Abdullah Fazal has delivered a powerful statement to the West Indies just days before the first Test begins on July 25.
The 23-year-old left-handed batter from Karachi remained unbeaten throughout the warm-up match against the Caribbean side, scoring a composed 50* in the first innings and an aggressive 48 not out in the second. His unbeaten knocks have sent a clear message to the West Indian bowlers: Pakistan’s new batting star is ready for the big stage.
🚨🇵🇰 INSIDE NEWS 🚨
Abdullah Fazal is set to bat in the middle order, with Saud Shakeel expected to make way in Pakistan’s lineup. 🏏
If confirmed, it would be a significant selection call as Pakistan look to reshape their batting order ahead of the upcoming Test series.
— Iru Iqbal 🇵🇰 (@IrtazaIqbal167) July 22, 2026
From domestic struggles to international promise
Fazal’s journey to the national team has been anything but smooth. Just three years ago, he was struggling to make an impact in domestic cricket. In September 2023, during the Hanif Mohammad Trophy, he managed only 27 runs in four innings and was even dropped from the side after two games. His early career was marked by inconsistency, with modest opposition bowlers dismissing him cheaply.
But Iqbal Imam, his coach at Karachi Blues, saw something special in the young batter. Despite his poor start, Imam noticed Fazal’s raw power and solid basics. “He was reaching for balls away from his body,” Imam recalled, “but I saw power in his shots, and his basics were quite impressive.”
Fazal’s determination to improve set him apart. He insisted on playing trial matches on lower-quality grounds to prove himself, showing a hunger that impressed his coach. “Those grounds are lower standard. It showed me he had a hunger for cricket,” Imam said.
Babar tried his best to accommodate imam as an opener but he failed in both innings
Imam 10,14
Abdullah 50 & 48 (RO)
Now Abdullah must open ahead of Imam pic.twitter.com/bOPqKkOx82— Huzaifa khan (@HuzaifaKhan021) July 22, 2026
Breakthrough season and test debut
The 2024-25 domestic season proved to be Fazal’s turning point. With Saim Ayub called up to the senior national team, an opportunity opened for Fazal in the Karachi Blues side. He grabbed it with both hands, saving his best for the biggest stage.
In the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Fazal scored 88 and 114 runs against a strong Sialkot attack featuring international bowlers like Hasan Ali, Mohammad Ali, and Mohammad Hasnain. He was named Player of the Match as Karachi Blues won the title.
His impressive form earned him a call-up to Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh. When Babar Azam pulled out of the first Test due to injury, Fazal made his debut in Mirpur. He responded with scores of 60 and 66, finishing as Pakistan’s top-scorer in a challenging match against a quality Bangladesh bowling attack.
Read Also: Pakistan Eye First Away Test Win Since 2023 as West Indies Series Begins on July 25
Unbeaten warm-up performance sends clear message
In the recent practice match against West Indies Select XI in Port of Spain, Fazal made a bold statement. He scored 50 runs off 97 deliveries in the first innings, showing patience and solid defence. But it was his second innings that truly caught attention, remaining unbeaten on 48 runs off just 48 balls, including three powerful sixes.
His ability to shift gears and dominate the Caribbean bowlers sent a strong signal that he is ready for the Test challenge.
The fact that he remained not out in both innings means he has already proven he can handle the West Indian bowling attack. His composure and shot selection have given Pakistan’s think tank confidence ahead of the series opener.
Babar Azam enjoying a light-hearted moment with Abdullah Fazal#cricket #PakistanCricket #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/k88eQpWnmw
— Urooj Jawed🇵🇰 (@uroojjawed12) July 22, 2026
Natural advantage and technical strength
What makes Fazal special, according to his coach, is his natural advantage as a right-hand thrower who bats left-handed. “He’s a very top-hand-dominant player,” Imam explained. “He’s tough, he’s fit, and his power comes from his top hand. Because he throws right hand while batting left, this is an advantage for players.”
Imam compares this trait to some of cricket’s greats, including Garry Sobers, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Chris Gayle, and Brian Lara. While not comparing Fazal to these legends, Imam believes it shows the young batter’s potential ceiling.
Fazal’s technique has impressed coaches who note his solid defence and natural attacking ability. In four National T20 matches last year, he scored 231 runs at a strike rate over 150, getting dismissed just twice. His ability to play seam bowlers right under his eyes and use his feet against spin has made him a complete batter.
Coach’s warning to West Indies
Imam has already advised Fazal on how to handle the Caribbean conditions. “In West Indies, the bounce can sometimes be uneven. He’ll have to watch his shot selection,” Imam said. “But other than that, if he plays his natural game, I think he’ll be fine there. He plays well on seaming pitches because his shot selection is very good.”
The coach’s confidence in his player is clear. “He understands batting. He doesn’t let the bowler get on top of him without being rash,” Imam added. This mental strength will be crucial against a West Indian attack known for their pace and bounce.
Read Also: Pakistan Test Squad Arrives in West Indies for Two-Match Series Starting July 25
West Indies bowlers on alert
Fazal’s unbeaten knocks have put the West Indies bowlers on notice. His ability to remain not out in both innings shows he has the temperament and technique to survive long periods at the crease. He has already demonstrated that he can handle pressure and stay focused, qualities essential for success in Test cricket.
The Caribbean bowlers will now have to plan carefully for Fazal. His aggressive yet controlled batting style makes him a difficult player to contain. If he carries this form into the first Test on July 25, the West Indies could be in for a tough challenge.
1st Test: Pakistan feasibly playing 11 🆚 West Indies
1.Imam ul Haq
2.Azan Awais
3.Shan Masood
4. Babar Azam
5. Abdullah Fazal
6. Mohammad Rizwan
7. Salman Ali Agha
8. Aamer Jamal
9. Mohammad Ali
10. Mohammad Abbas
11. Ali Usman#PAKvWI pic.twitter.com/zezmx9I5YV— Action Replay (@actionreplay25) July 21, 2026
Looking ahead to first test
With the first Test just days away, Fazal has given Pakistan a major boost. His warm-up performance has not only secured his place in the playing eleven but also sent a strong message to the opposition. The young opener is not just here to participate, he is here to make a mark.
Read Also: Can Babar Azam Rebuild Pakistan’s Test Identity in Caribbean?
Fazal’s journey from being dropped from domestic tournaments to sending warnings to a Test-playing nation is remarkable. His hunger for runs, mental strength, and ability to seize opportunities have brought him this far.
As he prepares for his first Test series in the West Indies, all eyes will be on him to see if he can turn his warm-up promise into a match-winning performance on July 25.
