Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam broke the legendary Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma's T20I world record on Friday (October 31) night during the second T20 International of the three-match T20I series against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where the Pakistan cricket team claimed a comfortable win to level the series 1–1.

While Pakistan were chasing a modest 111-run target, openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub gave the team a strong start with a solid 54-run opening partnership in the powerplay.

Coming in at number three, Babar Azam needed just nine runs to surpass Rohit Sharma and become the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket history. With his elegant stroke play and calm composure, the Pakistani batsman achieved the milestone, further strengthening his legacy in international cricket and proving once again why he’s among the best T20 players in the world.

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History Made: Babar Azam Overtakes Rohit Sharma to Become T20I’s Top Run-Scorer

While Babar Azam scored a duck in the series opener, which Pakistan lost by 55 runs, he comfortably completed those nine runs in the second T20 International to surpass Rohit Sharma and become the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket history.

The Pakistan cricket team captain scored an unbeaten 11 off 18 balls with one boundary at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, as he finished the match with a total of 4,234 T20I runs. This milestone further strengthens Babar Azam’s position among the top T20 batsmen in the world and highlights his consistency in international cricket.

Most T20I runs-scorers

Saim Ayub remained not out for 71 runs off just 38 balls, as the opener smashed six fours and five sixes in the powerful innings, as Pakistan won the match by nine wickets with 41 balls remaining, while the hosts chased down the target in 13.1 overs after losing only one wicket. Among the Proteas bowlers, only Corbin Bosch managed to pick a wicket (1/17). 

In the first innings of the T20I match between Pakistan and South Africa, only Dewald Brevis (25) managed to cross the 20-run mark, while just three other South African batters reached double figures. The South African cricket team struggled against the disciplined Pakistan bowling attack at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Among the standout bowlers, Faheem Ashraf (4/23) led the charge with four wickets, while young pacer Salman Mirza (3/14) impressed with his pace and control, claiming three crucial wickets. Naseem Shah (2/28) and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed (1/26) also contributed to Pakistan’s dominant bowling performance, helping restrict South Africa to a low total in the second T20 International.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What record did Babar Azam break in the T20I match against South Africa?

Babar Azam broke Rohit Sharma’s T20I world record to become the highest run-scorer in T20 International cricket. He achieved this milestone during the second T20I of the three-match series against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

2. How many T20I runs has Babar Azam scored after surpassing Rohit Sharma?

After the match against South Africa, Babar Azam’s total T20I runs reached 4,234, surpassing Rohit Sharma’s 4,231 runs to become the top run-scorer in T20I history.

3. Who were the top performers for Pakistan in the second T20I against South Africa?

Saim Ayub led the batting with an unbeaten 71 off 38 balls, while bowlers Faheem Ashraf (4/23), Salman Mirza (3/14), Naseem Shah (2/28), and Abrar Ahmed (1/26) helped Pakistan dominate the match and secure a nine-wicket victory.

4. What was the result of the second T20I between Pakistan and South Africa?

Pakistan defeated South Africa by nine wickets, chasing down a target of 111 runs in just 13.1 overs. The win helped Pakistan level the three-match T20I series 1–1 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

5. Who are the top five run-scorers in T20I cricket as of now?

The current top five T20I run-scorers are:

1. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 4,234 runs

2. Rohit Sharma (India) – 4,231 runs

3. Virat Kohli (India) – 4,188 runs

4. Jos Buttler (England) – 3,869 runs

5. Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 3,710 runs