Babar Azam has officially etched his name into the history books, surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in men’s T20 International cricket. The monumental achievement, which came during Pakistan’s dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, has reignited discussions about his legacy and silenced critics who questioned his recent form [[2], [3]].
How Babar Azam Sealed His Place in History
Needing just nine runs to overtake Sharma’s tally of 4,231 runs, the pressure was on the 30-year-old Pakistani maestro. He didn’t disappoint. With a calm and composed innings, Azam not only broke the record but also played a pivotal role in securing a massive win for his team [[6], [7]]. This feat is a testament to his enduring class and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Wasim Akram’s Massive Statement of Support
In the wake of this historic moment, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has come out in full support of the star batter. Akram, a man known for his candid opinions, declared that Babar “still has plenty of cricket left in him” and is poised to achieve even more for Pakistan .
This backing from a national icon is significant, especially after a period where Azam’s place in the side was under intense scrutiny due to a prolonged dip in his batting averages across all formats . Akram believes that stepping away from the captaincy has allowed Babar to rediscover his best form and focus purely on his batting .
The New T20I Runs King: A Look at the Numbers
To truly appreciate the scale of this achievement, let’s break down the stats of the two modern greats.
| Player | Total Runs | Matches | Average | Strike Rate | Hundreds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 4,240+ | 118 | 39.25 | 128.50 | 3 |
| Rohit Sharma | 4,231 | 151 | 31.11 | 139.97 | 4 |
The table highlights a fascinating contrast. While Sharma boasts a higher strike rate and more centuries, Babar has reached the summit in fewer matches and with a significantly higher batting average, showcasing his incredible consistency at the top of the order.
What This Record Means for Babar’s Legacy
This record is more than just a number; it’s a powerful statement. It cements Babar Azam’s status as one of the premier batters of his generation in the shortest format of the game. At just 30 years old, he has a long career ahead of him, and with the weight of captaincy off his shoulders, many, including Wasim Akram, believe his best is yet to come [[14], [15]].
His ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate makes him a unique asset in the modern T20 landscape. This record-breaking knock is a strong signal that the ‘Babar of old’ is back and ready to lead Pakistan’s batting charge in the upcoming challenges, including the next T20 World Cup.