Babar Azam Nears Record to Surpass Rohit Sharma
Fomer Pakistani captain Babar Azam is ready to make his T20I return as Pakistan face South Africa in a three-match home series beginning tomarrow.
The upcoming series marks the return of the right-hander to the shortest format after almost one year, with his last appearance coming in December 2024.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recalled the star batter earlier this month, aiming to strengthen the top order ahead of a demanding international season.
The Lahore-born cricketer, one of Pakistan most consistent performers across all formats, now stands on the brink of achieving a significant T20I milestone.
The right-handed batter requires only eight runs to overtake India Rohit Sharma and become the leading run scorer in T20 international cricket.
The former Indian captain currently leads the chart with 4231 runs in 159 matches at an average of 32.05, including five centuries and 32 half centuries.
Babar Azam is close behind with 4223 runs in 128 matches at an impressive average of 39.83, featuring three centuries and 36 half centuries.
Top T20I Run-Scorers
| Player | Runs | Matches | Centuries | Half-Centuries | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 4,231 | 159 | 5 | 32 | 32.05 | 140.89 |
| Babar Azam | 4,223 | 128 | 3 | 36 | 39.83 | 129.22 |
| Virat Kohli | 4,188 | 125 | 1 | 38 | 48.69 | 137.04 |
| Jos Buttler | 3,869 | 144 | 1 | 28 | 35.49 | 148.97 |
Before the series opener in Rawalpindi, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed that Babar would likely bat at the crucial number three position.
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Hesson described the decision as a tactical move aimed at utilizing Babar vast experience and ability to anchor the innings effectively.
He stated that Babar understands the demands of different batting positions and can control the innings from number three to guide Pakistan.
Although Babar has opened the innings 87 times in T20 internationals, he remains comfortable batting at number three when required by the team.
The experienced batter has played 32 innings in that position, scoring 1166 runs at an average of 44.84 with a strike rate of 127.85.
Despite registering 11 half centuries while batting at number three, Babar has yet to convert any of those innings into a century.
As Pakistan prepare for the high-profile contest, all eyes will focus on Babar Azam return and his pursuit of another remarkable T20 record.
