Babar Azam Ties Kohli’s T20I Record in Pakistan’s Win

Babar Azam Ties Kohli’s Landmark T20I Record

The cricketing world was treated to a masterclass in Rawalpindi on November 23, 2025, as Pakistan’s Babar Azam delivered a performance for the ages. His elegant 74-run knock wasn’t just the backbone of Pakistan’s imposing total of 195/5; it was also the innings that saw him draw level with the legendary Virat Kohli for the most half-centuries in T20 International history . This incredible Babar Azam T20I record adds another glittering chapter to his already stellar career.

Table of Contents

• Match Recap: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
• The Record: Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli
• Usman Tariq’s Historic Hat-Trick
• What’s Next for Pakistan and Babar?
• Sources

Match Recap: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe

Pakistan hosted Zimbabwe in the crucial 4th match of their home T20I tri-series, a game that was pivotal for determining who would secure a spot in the final alongside Sri Lanka . Electing to bat first, the hosts posted a formidable 195 for 5 in their 20 overs. Babar Azam’s 74 was the standout performance, providing the perfect blend of grace and power that fans have come to expect from him .

Chasing a daunting target of 196, Zimbabwe’s innings quickly unraveled. Despite a brief moment of resistance from Ryan Burl and captain Sikandar Raza, the team was bundled out for a mere 126 in just 19 overs, handing Pakistan a commanding 69-run victory . This win not only crushed Zimbabwe’s net run-rate but also confirmed Pakistan’s place in the tri-series final .

The Record: Babar Azam Equals Virat Kohli

The most significant storyline from the match, however, was the historic milestone achieved by Babar Azam. His 74-run innings marked his 38th T20I half-century, officially tying him with India’s Virat Kohli at the top of the all-time list for most fifties in the format .

This is a monumental achievement, placing Babar in the elite company of one of the game’s greatest modern batters. While Kohli reached his 38 fifties in 117 innings, Babar has achieved the same feat in 127 innings . Both players have redefined consistency in the shortest format of the game, and this shared record is a testament to their exceptional skill and longevity.

For fans of the sport, this moment is a powerful reminder of the global nature of cricket’s elite. The Babar Azam Virat Kohli half-centuries rivalry, though mostly played out on separate continents, is a fascinating benchmark of excellence in T20I cricket.

Usman Tariq’s Historic Hat-Trick

While Babar’s bat stole the headlines for the record, the ball was in the hands of a new hero: Usman Tariq. The mystery spinner produced a moment of magic that turned the game decisively in Pakistan’s favor. In a single, devastating over, Tariq claimed a sensational T20I hat-trick, becoming only the fourth Pakistani bowler in history to achieve this feat .

His three wickets in three consecutive deliveries completely dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle order, shattering any hope they had of mounting a serious chase . This performance was not just about the wickets; it was a display of exceptional control and clever variation that left the Zimbabwean batters utterly bamboozled .

Tariq’s spell was the perfect complement to Babar’s innings, showcasing the incredible depth of talent in the Pakistani squad. It’s moments like these that define a team’s character and can be the difference between a good side and a great one.

What’s Next for Pakistan and Babar?

With their place in the tri-series final secured, Pakistan’s focus now shifts to the ultimate prize. The confidence gained from this comprehensive victory, built on both a record-equalling batting performance and a historic bowling feat, will be a massive boost for the team.

For Babar Azam, the race is now on to become the outright leader in T20I fifties. Every future innings presents an opportunity for him to move ahead of Kohli and set a new benchmark that others will chase for years to come. This Pakistan vs Zimbabwe T20 tri-series match has not only been a stepping stone to a final but also a significant landmark in the personal journey of one of cricket’s modern greats [[INTERNAL_LINK:babar-azam-career-stats]].

Final Summary

In a single match, Pakistan managed to achieve a historic double: Babar Azam equaled Virat Kohli’s record for the most T20I half-centuries, and Usman Tariq secured his place in the record books with a hat-trick. Their dominant 69-run win over Zimbabwe was a complete team performance that has firmly established them as favorites for the tri-series title.

Sources

• Times of India: Babar Azam draws level with Virat Kohli
• ESPNCricinfo: PAK vs ZIM, 4th T20I Scorecard
• ICC T20I Batting Rankings