Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, made history on Friday by surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 internationals. This remarkable achievement powered Pakistan to a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa, evening the three-match series at 1-1.
Making his return to T20 cricket after almost a year, Babar needed just nine runs to overtake Rohit’s previous record of 4,231 runs. The former Pakistan captain reached this significant milestone with his characteristic calm, nudging a single off spinner Donovan Ferreira. He remained unbeaten on 11, bringing his total to an impressive 4,234 runs from 130 matches, which includes 36 half-centuries and three centuries, all at a strike rate of 129.
This record marks a significant moment of redemption for the 31-year-old, especially after he missed an opportunity to break it in the previous match, where he was dismissed for a two-ball duck. His stellar return to form and the T20 squad couldn’t have come at a better time, particularly after facing criticism for his absence from the Asia Cup, during which Pakistan struggled against arch-rivals India.
Top T20I Run-Scorers
- Babar Azam: 4,234 runs
- Rohit Sharma: 4,231 runs
- Virat Kohli: 4,188 runs
- Jos Buttler: 3,869 runs
- Paul Stirling: 3,710 runs
Although Babar’s record-breaking feat stole the spotlight, it was Saim Ayub’s sensational unbeaten 71 from just 38 balls that ultimately secured Pakistan’s resounding victory. The left-handed opener, who had a tough Asia Cup campaign with four ducks, found his form magnificently, hitting five sixes and six fours, enabling Pakistan to chase down the target of 111 in a mere 13.1 overs.
Post-match, captain Salman Ali Agha praised Ayub, stating, ‘Saim is someone who can play for the next 10 years and become the player we all want him to be.’ He added, ‘We bowled exceptionally well upfront, and performing that well with the ball almost guarantees a win.’
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s bowlers put on a stellar display, dismantling South Africa’s batting lineup for just 110 runs. Salman Mirza (3-14) and Faheem Ashraf (4-23) were the main wicket-takers, collectively claiming seven wickets.
South Africa’s stand-in captain, Donovan Ferreira, acknowledged his team was outclassed. ‘There isn’t much time to reflect,’ Ferreira commented. ‘The pitch significantly improved with the settling dew. We simply have to move forward.’
The third and final T20, set for Saturday, will be the series decider. With the series evenly poised, Babar Azam stands as the reigning run king of T20 cricket, promising an exciting conclusion.