Pakistan's prolific batsman, Babar Azam, has etched his name into the annals of T20 International cricket history by breaking a significant world record previously held by Indian maestro Virat Kohli, while in a stellar performance against South Africa in the third and decisive T20I match, Azam scored a magnificent 68 runs, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory and securing the three-match series 2-1. This remarkable innings not only ensured a series win for his team but also propelled him to the top of an elite list, making him the player with the most fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket.
A New Milestone in T20I Cricket
Babar Azam's record-breaking innings saw him score 68 runs off just 47 deliveries, adorned with 9 elegant boundaries, while this marked his 40th instance of registering a score of 50 or more in T20 International matches. With this achievement, he has surpassed Virat Kohli's long-standing record of 39 fifty-plus scores in the format. Kohli, who has since retired from T20 International cricket, had held this prestigious record for a considerable period, while azam's consistent form and ability to deliver under pressure have now placed him at the pinnacle of this particular batting metric, highlighting his sustained excellence in the shortest format of the game.
The Significance of Surpassing Kohli
The comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is often drawn, with both being regarded as modern-day batting stalwarts. Kohli's T20I career saw him accumulate 39 fifty-plus scores, including one century, before his retirement from the format. Babar Azam, with his 40 fifty-plus scores, which include three. Centuries and 37 half-centuries, has now set a new benchmark. Given Kohli's retirement, Azam has a significant opportunity to further extend this record. This accomplishment isn't just a personal milestone for Babar but also a moment of immense pride for Pakistan cricket, as their captain continues to break global records and establish himself among the game's greats.
Babar Azam's Series-Defining Performance
Babar Azam's return to the Pakistani T20I squad for the series against South Africa had a mixed start, while in the initial two matches, his performance wasn't up to his usual high standards; he failed to open his account in the first T20I and managed only 11 runs in the second. However, in the crucial third match, he showcased his class and resilience, emerging as the match-winner for his team. His innings of 68 runs was instrumental in Pakistan chasing down South Africa's target of 139 runs with ease, earning him the 'Player of the Match' award. This performance underscored his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most.
Thanks to Babar Azam's commanding innings, Pakistan comfortably chased down the target of 139 runs set by South Africa, while this victory sealed the three-match T20I series 2-1 in favor of Pakistan. The series win is a significant morale booster for the Pakistani. Team, especially with their captain achieving such a monumental individual record. While the team performed collectively, Babar's innings laid the foundation for their triumph. South Africa had attempted to set a challenging total batting first, but Pakistan's batsmen, particularly Azam, made the chase appear straightforward and clinical.
Elite Company: Top T20I Scorers
Following Babar Azam's new record, he now leads the list of batsmen with the most fifty-plus scores in T20 International cricket. Virat Kohli is second with 39 such scores. Indian captain Rohit Sharma holds the third position with 37 fifty-plus scores. Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan is fourth with 31 scores of 50 or more, while Australia's David Warner and England's Jos Buttler are tied for fifth place, both having achieved 29 fifty-plus scores, while this list features some of the most impactful and consistent batsmen in the history of T20 cricket, highlighting the caliber of players Babar Azam has surpassed.
Journey of a T20I Maestro: Babar Azam's Career
Babar Azam made his T20 International debut for Pakistan in 2016. Since then, he has consistently emerged as one of the team's most vital match-winners. In his T20I career, he has accumulated a total of 4302 runs, which includes 3 centuries and 37 half-centuries. His batting style, characterized by classical strokes, impeccable timing, and remarkable. Consistency, has established him as one of the top batsmen globally. He often provides a solid foundation for the team and possesses. The ability to anchor an innings, taking it deep into the game. This latest achievement further elevates his already impressive career trajectory.
Leadership and Legacy
Beyond his batting prowess, Babar Azam has also captained the Pakistani team, leading them to several significant successes. He has captained Pakistan in a total of 85 T20 International. Matches, securing victories in 48 of them, while facing defeat in 29. Under his leadership, Pakistan notably reached the final of the T20 World Cup in 2022, where they ultimately lost to England, while despite the final loss, reaching that stage was a testament to his leadership capabilities. This demonstrates that he isn't only a phenomenal batsman but also a capable and respected leader within the team.
Babar Azam's new record is a clear indicator of his exceptional batting talent and his growing stature in T20 cricket. This achievement will undoubtedly motivate him to strive for even greater milestones in the future and solidify his position as a crucial asset for Pakistan cricket for years to come.
