What's happened
Babar Azam surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the top scorer in men's T20 Internationals during Pakistan's win over South Africa on October 31, 2025. The milestone marks a significant achievement after a period of recent struggles, with Azam now leading the world with 4,234 runs in 123 innings.
What's behind the headline?
Babar Azam's record signifies more than just a personal milestone; it reflects his resilience and importance to Pakistan cricket. His recent struggles had raised questions about his form, but this achievement demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure. The timing is strategic, as Pakistan prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Azam likely to bat at number three, a role that maximizes his impact. The series against South Africa, despite missing key players, remains competitive, and Azam's return could boost Pakistan's chances in future tournaments. This milestone will likely restore confidence in Azam and could mark a turning point in his career, inspiring a new phase of consistency and leadership.
What the papers say
The articles from Gulf News and AP News provide detailed accounts of Azam's achievement, highlighting his recent struggles and the significance of this milestone. Gulf News emphasizes the context of his return and the series' importance, quoting coach Mike Hesson's support and strategic outlook. AP News offers a broader perspective on cricketing achievements, including other recent T20 performances globally, such as West Indies' series wins and individual milestones, illustrating the competitive landscape. The contrasting focus on individual records versus team dynamics underscores the broader significance of Azam's performance within international cricket.
How we got here
Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batsman, had been in a slump across formats in recent months, missing key series including the Asia Cup. His recall for the South Africa series signals a potential resurgence. The record-breaking performance occurred during the second T20I in Lahore, where Azam scored 11 runs to reach the milestone, helping Pakistan secure a victory and tie the series at 1-1. The series continues with two more matches scheduled in Lahore.
Go deeper
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Mohammad Babar Azam is a Pakistani cricketer who captains the Pakistan national team in limited overs cricket and is a top-order batsman. Babar Azam is the only player to be among the top five ICC rankings across all formats.
Azam plays for Karachi Kings
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Rohit Gurunath Sharma is an Indian international cricketer who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket and captains Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League as a right-handed batsman and an occasional right-arm off break bowler.