Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel has entered the record books for an unwanted distinction after scoring 93 and 97 in a single Test match against Sri Lanka.
The left-hander fell just short of a century in both innings during the opening match of the series in Rawalpindi, which concluded in a draw on Friday.
According to Yahoo Sports, Shakeel became only the sixth player in cricket history to be dismissed in the 90s twice in the same Test.
The 210-delivery second innings effort helped Pakistan reach 284/8 and secure a draw after the team declared their first innings at 434/9.
Shakeel joins a rare list of cricketers who have achieved this feat, including Clem Hill, Frank Woolley, Gordon Greenidge, and Mahela Jayawardene.
As noted by Yahoo Sports, Jayawardene was the last player to record this specific set of scores before Shakeel, having done so against New Zealand in 2009.
The match in Rawalpindi served as Pakistan’s first draw in the current World Test Championship cycle.
The team has struggled recently, recording seven defeats and two wins in their nine previous matches within the cycle.
Officials opted to move the second Test to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to rising smog levels in Lahore, according to the reporting from Yahoo Sports.
The upcoming match is scheduled to begin next Tuesday at the same venue.
Shakeel’s performance was pivotal in helping Pakistan avoid defeat after the final day of play saw both teams agree to shake hands as the prospect of a result faded.
The historic nature of the feat highlights the fine margins in professional cricket, as Shakeel missed his century by only three runs in the second innings.
The list of players who have been dismissed in the 90s twice in a Test match remains exclusive, with the most recent entry now including the Pakistani batter.
Fans and analysts alike have noted the significance of his consistency despite the frustration of missing the milestone centuries.