Babar Azam breaks Rohit Sharma's world record to become highest run-scorer in T20I cricket

Babar Azam achieved the record during the second T20I against South Africa.

Former Pakistan Cricket Team captain Babar Azam has achieved a massive record in T20I cricket, becoming the highest ever run-scorer in the format. The right-handed batsman overtook former India captain Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket.

Azam achieved the record during Pakistan’s victory against South Africa in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, October 31. The Men in Green defeated the visitors by nine wickets in the clash, chasing a low target of 111 runs.

In the chase, Azam added an unbeaten 11 runs off 18 balls following a brilliant start by openers Sahibzada Farhan (28) and Sai Ayub (71*), who made an opening stand of 54 runs. Notably, Azam was recalled to the T20I side for the series against South Africa after being overlooked for the T20 Asia Cup 2025 in September.

Babar Azam breaks Rohit Sharma’s record to become the highest run-scorer in T20I cricket

With 4234 runs in 130 games, the Pakistan stalwart has become the highest run-scorer in the shortest format of the game. Rohit Sharma, who announced his retirement from T20I cricket last year, amassed 4231 runs in 159 games at an average of 32.05. The next batter on the list of most T20I runs is Virat Kohli, who retired last year with 4188 runs in 125 matches. So far, only these three have scored over 4000 runs in T20I cricket.

Top five highest run-scorers in T20I cricket

• Babar Azam (Pakistan)- 4234 runs*
• Rohit Sharma (India) – 4231 runs
• Virat Kohli (India) – 4188 runs
• Jos Buttler (England) – 3869 runs
• Paul Stirling (Ireland) – 3710 runs

Meanwhile, Azam was dismissed for a duck in the first T20I against South Africa, however, he came up with a better show in the second game. The three-match series is tied 1-1 after two clashes, with the final encounter scheduled to be played on Saturday, November 1.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.