In a historic moment for Pakistan cricket, skipper Babar Azam has become the highest run-getter in T20 Internationals, amassing 4,067 runs and surpassing India’s Virat Kohli, who has 4,038 runs. This milestone was achieved during Pakistan’s first World Cup game against the United States at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, on Thursday.
Babar, 29, who began the match with 4,023 runs, scored 44 runs off 43 balls, propelling him past Kohli on the all-time list. Previously third, he now sits at the top with an impressive record that includes 36 fifties and three centuries in T20Is.
Top T20I Run-Getters:
1. Babar Azam – 4,067
2. Virat Kohli – 4,038
3. Rohit Sharma – 4,026
Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, set a target of 160 runs for the United States. The US bowlers initially dominated, dismissing Pakistan’s top-order batsmen—Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, and Fakhar Zaman—for just 26 runs.
However, a steadying 72-run partnership between Babar and Shadab Khan revived the innings. Shadab scored a brisk 40 off 25 balls before being dismissed. Wicketkeeper-batsman Azam Khan fell for a golden duck, and subsequent wickets fell quickly, with Babar scoring a patient 44 off 43 balls. Iftikhar Ahmed contributed 18 runs before departing.
Lower-order batsman Shaheen Afridi played a crucial role, adding 23 runs off 16 balls to help Pakistan reach a total of 159-7 in their allotted overs.
The match marked a significant achievement for Babar Azam and a spirited effort from the Pakistani team to post a competitive total despite early setbacks. As the World Cup unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling performances from Babar and his team.
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