Babar Azam Breaks Chris Gayle’s Record to Make History in T20 Cricket

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter and former captain, has added another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career. On December 13, 2024, during the second T20I against South Africa, Babar became the fastest batter in the world to reach 11,000 T20 runs. He achieved this milestone in just 298 innings, breaking Chris Gayle’s previous record of 314 innings.

Record-Breaking Milestone

The record-breaking knock came at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where Babar’s 31 runs off 20 balls showcased his signature elegance and precision. Though the match ended in a loss for Pakistan, Babar’s historic feat became the highlight of the day.

Chris Gayle, the “Universe Boss,” held the record for years, cementing his place as the greatest T20 batter. His explosive style and ability to dominate bowlers made him a force to reckon with in the shortest format.

David Warner and Virat Kohli, two legends of modern cricket, needed 330 and 337 innings, respectively, to cross the 11,000-run mark. Babar’s accomplishment in just 298 innings speaks volumes about his consistency and adaptability.

Fastest to 11,000 runs in T20s

1. Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 298 innings
2. Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 314 innings
3. David Warner (Australia) – 330 innings
4. Virat Kohli (India) – 337 innings

Babar’s Consistency in T20 Cricket

What sets Babar apart is his ability to blend aggression with a sound technique. Unlike many T20 specialists who rely on brute force, Babar builds his innings with finesse, often anchoring Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Babar made his T20 debut on December 1, 2012. From the start, he displayed glimpses of his potential, gradually evolving into one of the most reliable batters in the game.

Over the last decade, Babar has delivered match-winning performances across various T20 leagues and international fixtures. His ability to adapt to different conditions and bowlers has been pivotal in his journey to this milestone.

Records in International Cricket

During his 31-run knock, Babar also crossed 14,000 runs in international cricket, adding yet another feather to his cap. While Inzamam leads the list of most runs for Pakistan in international cricket with 20,541 runs, Babar’s rapid progress suggests he could challenge this record in the coming years. Babar now ranks fifth among Pakistani batters with 14,029 international runs, closing the gap with legends like Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf.

Most runs for Pakistan in international cricket

1. Inzamam-ul-Haq – 20,541
2. Younis Khan – 17,790
3. Mohammad Yousuf – 17,134
4. Javed Miandad – 16,213
5. Babar Azam – 14,029

From T20s to Tests, Babar’s ability to adapt has made him one of the most versatile batters in modern cricket. Unlike many traditional players, Babar has seamlessly adjusted to the fast-paced nature of T20 cricket, proving his mettle against the world’s best bowlers.

---