In a thrilling T20 International clash against South Africa, Babar Azam has etched his name in the history books, surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in the shortest format of cricket. Azam achieved this monumental feat during the second T20I held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Requiring just nine runs to eclipse Sharma’s previous record, the former Pakistan captain achieved the milestone with apparent ease.
Babar Azam now boasts an impressive tally of 4232 runs from 122 innings, maintaining a formidable average of nearly 40 and a strike rate of 129.14. His T20I career is decorated with three centuries and 36 half-centuries. In contrast, Rohit Sharma concluded his T20I journey with 4231 runs spanning 151 innings, averaging 32.05 with a strike rate of 140.89, and notably including five centuries and 32 fifties.
England’s Jos Buttler is the next closest contender on the all-time T20I run-scorers list, having accumulated 3869 runs in 132 innings with an average of 35.49 and a strike rate of 148.97, featuring one hundred and 28 fifties. The table of top T20I run-scorers now features Babar Azam at the pinnacle, followed by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, and Paul Stirling.
Beyond the record, the match saw Pakistan secure a decisive nine-wicket victory over South Africa. They successfully chased down a modest target of 111 runs with a remarkable 41 balls to spare. Young sensation Saim Ayub was instrumental in the chase, remaining unbeaten on a blistering 71 runs off just 38 deliveries, with Babar Azam contributing a steady 11 runs from 18 balls. Earlier, the bowling efforts of Salman Mirza and Faheem Ashraf, who claimed three and four wickets respectively, were crucial in restricting South Africa to a mere 110 runs in 19.2 overs. These stellar bowling performances paved the way for Pakistan’s victory and helped level the three-match series. The series decider is scheduled to take place on November 1st at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.