The Pakistan captain completed his extraordinary innings on 20 October in Sheikhupura, hammering 22 fours and 12 sixes in his 257 not out off 363 balls.

Coming to the crease with Pakistan struggling at 183-6, Akram shared a record-breaking 313-run eighth-wicket partnership with Saqlain Mushtaq, who contributed 79 off 359 balls, as the hosts recovered to post 553.

Akram’s 12 sixes also set a new Test record at the time, surpassing Walter Hammond’s previous mark of 10. The match eventually ended in a draw, with Akram named player of the match.