LAHORE – Pakistan’s premier batsman Babar Azam etched his name into cricket history books on Sunday by becoming the most prolific half-century scorer in men’s Twenty20 International cricket, surpassing India’s legendary Virat Kohli in the process.
The 31-year-old star achieved this milestone during Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where he delivered a composed and unbeaten knock of 50 runs off 36 deliveries. His innings featured three boundaries and one six, helping Pakistan post a formidable total of 207 for six in their allotted 20 overs.
This was Babar’s 39th half-century in T20I cricket, propelling him past Kohli’s tally of 38 fifties. The Indian batting maestro had previously held this record before retiring from T20I cricket following India’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The record-breaking innings came at a crucial time for both Babar and Pakistan, as they completed a commanding 3-0 series whitewash over Australia. The hosts bowled out the visitors for just 96 runs in 16.5 overs, securing a crushing 111-run victory – Australia’s biggest defeat by runs in T20I history.
A Return to Form
Babar’s milestone knock was particularly significant as it marked a return to form for the former Pakistan captain, who had been struggling in recent matches. In the first two games of the series, he managed scores of only 24 and 2, facing criticism from fans and experts alike. However, his patient yet impactful half-century in the series decider silenced doubters and demonstrated why he remains one of the format’s premier batters.
“Our preparation for the T20 World Cup is going really well,” Babar said after the match. “These three matches were crucial for us and the way the team has performed across all three departments – batting, bowling and especially fielding, it has been very encouraging.”
The star batsman also expressed gratitude to his teammates, stating: “Every milestone is a team effort. I am thankful to my teammates and the coaching staff for their support.”
Statistical Supremacy
Beyond the fifty record, Babar Azam continues to hold the distinction of being the all-time leading run-scorer in men’s T20I cricket. He has accumulated 4,505 runs in 132 innings at an impressive average of 39.51 and a strike rate of 128.38. His T20I résumé also includes three centuries, with a highest score of 122 runs against South Africa.
Babar is notably the only batsman in T20I history to register more than 42 fifty-plus scores in the format, underscoring his remarkable consistency at the highest level.
The updated list of batsmen with the most half-centuries in T20I cricket now reads:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 39 fifties in 132 innings
- Virat Kohli (India) – 38 fifties in 117 innings
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 37 fifties in 151 innings
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 31 fifties in 93 innings
- David Warner (Australia) – 29 fifties in 110 innings
- Jos Buttler (England) – 28 fifties in 132 innings
Pakistan’s Dominant Performance
While Babar’s record-breaking effort provided the foundation, Pakistan’s victory was built on a collective team performance. Opening batsman Saim Ayub top-scored with a fluent 56 off 37 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes, while all-rounder Shadab Khan injected late momentum with a blistering 46 from just 19 deliveries, clearing the boundary five times.
With the ball, left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz was the star performer, claiming five wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi also contributed with two crucial wickets as Pakistan dismantled the Australian batting lineup.
World Cup Preparations
The series victory and Babar’s return to form come at an opportune time for Pakistan, who are fine-tuning their preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan placed in Group A alongside traditional rivals India, the Netherlands, Namibia, and the United States.
Pakistan are set to open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7. However, uncertainty surrounds the high-voltage India-Pakistan group match scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, with reports indicating that the Pakistan government has not yet granted permission for the team to participate in that fixture.
Cricket experts believe Pakistan’s recent performances demonstrate they are building momentum at the right time. With key players like Babar, Nawaz, and Shaheen expected to play pivotal roles, the team appears well-positioned to challenge for the title.
A Special Tribute
After the match, Babar also thanked the passionate Lahore crowd for their unwavering support. “A big thank you to the Lahore crowd. You’ve always supported us passionately and playing in front of full stadiums means a lot. Please keep supporting cricket the way you always have,” he added.
As Pakistan celebrates this historic achievement, Babar Azam’s record-breaking feat serves as a reminder of his enduring class and importance to Pakistan cricket. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the entire nation will be hoping that this return to form signals the beginning of another golden chapter in his illustrious career.
The former captain’s ability to deliver under pressure and rewrite record books continues to cement his legacy as one of the finest limited-overs batsmen in modern cricket history.
