In a remarkable cricketing milestone, Pakistan’s star batter and former captain Babar Azam has overtaken India’s Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in T20 International cricket. The achievement came during the second T20 match against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where Babar scored 11 runs off 18 deliveries. Though the innings was short, it was enough to etch his name at the top of the all-time T20I runs chart.
According to official match statistics, Babar now stands with an impressive total of 4,234 runs in 123 T20I matches, maintaining an average of 39.57. This eclipses Rohit Sharma’s total of 4,231 runs and Virat Kohli’s 4,188. Babar had earlier surpassed Kohli’s tally but now moves ahead of Rohit as well, marking a new era of T20 dominance for Pakistan cricket.
A Consistent Performer in the Shortest Format
Babar Azam’s rise in T20 cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his international debut in 2016 to becoming the world’s top run-getter in 2025, his journey reflects unwavering consistency and technical brilliance. Known for his elegant cover drives, timing, and composure under pressure, Babar has redefined Pakistan’s batting approach in the limited-overs game.
Unlike power hitters who rely heavily on boundaries, Babar’s success stems from calculated stroke play, rotation of strike, and placement-driven scoring. With a career strike rate hovering around 129 and an average that nearly touches 40, Babar continues to showcase rare steadiness in a format dominated by aggressive scoring.
Experts believe that his disciplined approach has been fundamental not just to his personal success but also to stabilizing Pakistan’s top order in an era marked by unpredictability. Cricket analysts in both Pakistan and India have praised his field presence and leadership qualities, recalling his tenure as captain when he guided Pakistan to key victories against teams like India, Australia, and England.
Statistical Edge Over Rohit and Kohli
While the competition among top T20I batters is fierce, Babar’s achievement holds special significance due to his consistency across global venues and different pitches. Rohit Sharma, renowned for his explosive batting and six-hitting prowess, still maintains the record for most T20I centuries. However, Babar’s higher average and faster accumulation of runs highlight his reliability as a top-order anchor.
When compared statistically, Rohit’s strike rate stands at around 139, notably higher than Babar’s, but his average of 31.79 falls well short of Babar’s 39.57. On the other hand, Virat Kohli, often known for finishing games, trails Babar both in total runs and matches played. The trio—Babar, Rohit, and Virat—has defined T20 batting standards for nearly a decade, each excelling through different strengths.
Reaction from Fans and Cricket World
As the news broke, congratulatory messages flooded social media, with fans and former cricketers hailing Babar for yet another record-breaking performance. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials lauded him as a modern-day batting genius and a national pride. Indian and international cricket fans, while disappointed to see Rohit losing his lead, acknowledged Babar’s achievement as a testament to skill and persistence.
Cricket pundits worldwide emphasized that Babar’s latest milestone reinforces his claim as one of the most consistent batsmen in modern T20 history. Former captain Wasim Akram described him as “a true ambassador of Pakistan cricket and a player who builds innings with classical technique in the T20 age.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Babar
At 31, Babar Azam’s career trajectory shows no signs of decline. With several T20 tournaments scheduled in 2026, including the ICC T20 World Cup, cricket enthusiasts anticipate more milestones from the prolific right-hander. Analysts expect him to continue setting benchmarks for future generations, improving his power-hitting stats, and converting starts into match-winning innings.
For Pakistan cricket, this achievement signifies more than just a personal record; it’s a symbol of resilience, dedication, and the country’s rich cricketing legacy. Babar’s blend of grace and grit continues to inspire emerging players—both within Pakistan and beyond.
As records tumble and the T20 format evolves rapidly, Babar Azam stands tall among modern legends, proving yet again that consistent excellence can outshine even the fiercest competitors.
For more detailed information on Babar Azam’s record and career accomplishments, you can visit the official ICC article here.
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