Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a remarkable four-port victory over Sri Lanka at Galle, scoring an unbeaten 160 to help the visitors chase 342 on Wednesday.
Pakistan eliminated the intimidating goal in 127.2 overs at Galle International Stadium to advance 1-0 in the two-test series.
It was ranked as the second most successful chase in Pakistan in the history of testing and the biggest chase in Galle.
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Shafique survived 408 deliveries in the fold, batting for 524 minutes to record his second century of testing.
The first 22-year-old, playing only his sixth test match, only hit eight limits during the marathon, absorbing deliveries and rotating the strike when needed.
It was the third highest score by a Pakistani cricketer in the fourth inning of a test match, only improved by Babar Azam’s 196 against Australia earlier this year and Younis Khan’s 171 not against Sri Lanka in 2015.
He also became the first cricketer in the history of the event to baptize more than 500 minutes in a successful chase.
Will Macpherson of the Evening Standard called it an “absolutely ridiculous coke,” while Pakistani reaper Wahab Riaz called it a “touch of brilliance.”
Shafique and Captain Azam, who scored a crucial century in the first innings, combined for a 101-race partnership for the third port to eradicate much of the deficit.
Azam was eventually sacked by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who previously became the third bowling player in test history to claim five wickets in each of his first three innings, for 55 before goalkeeper Mohammad Rizwan made 40 to put Pakistan in a leading position.
But three quick scalps in the afternoon session brought the contest back to life, with Pakistan still requiring 39 runs with four ports in hand.
Shafique then received an extra life at 151 when Kasun Rajitha dropped a regulation opportunity to the deep square leg at 123.
And a fright passed through the Pakistan camp when it started to rain in Galle with 11 races still needed, forcing a 45-minute delay.
But Shafique and the versatile Mohammad Nawaz, who finished undefeated on the 19th, managed to complete an impressive comeback for the Pakistanis, who at one point gave 7/85 to the first innings.
Most deliveries faced off in the fourth inning of a test match
492 – Mike Atherton (ENG) vs. RSA, November 1995
462 – Herbert Sutcliffe (CAT) vs. AUS, December 1928
443 – Sunil Gavaskar (IND) vs. ENG, August 1979
425 – Babar Azam (PAK) vs AUS, March 2022
408 – Abdullah Shafique (PAK) vs. SL, July 2022
Shafique has been a revelation with the bat since he debuted in the tests against Bangladesh last year, scoring two centuries and four fifty in six games.
Currently, the right-hander has an average of 80.00 at the test level: the only cricketer in history who has averaged one more is the legendary Sir Donald Bradman (minimum 10 entries).
The second test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will start on Sunday at Galle International Stadium, with the first ball scheduled for 2.30pm AEST.
Most individual races after six test matches
912 – Sunil Gavaskar (IND)
862 – Don Bradman (AUS)
730 – George Headley (WI)
720 – Abdullah Shafique (PAK)
695 – Frank Worrell (WI)