Babar Azam Records: A Glimpse Into the Pakistani Star’s Achievements
Babar Azam, the charismatic captain of Pakistan’s cricket team, is undoubtedly one of the most prolific batsmen of his generation. With his impeccable technique, consistent performances, and hunger for runs, Babar has etched his name among the world’s cricketing elites. Often compared to legends like Virat Kohli and Joe Root, Babar Azam’s records speak volumes about his brilliance.
From his staggering international scores to breaking longstanding cricket records, Babar Azam continues to prove why he is a vital pillar of Pakistan’s cricketing setup. Let’s dive into the milestones, achievements, and statistics that define Babar Azam’s stellar career.
Table of Contents
Early Days: The Start of a Cricketing Legacy
Babar Azam’s journey in cricket began in Lahore, Pakistan, where his talent was evident from a young age. Coming from a cricket-loving family, Babar drew inspiration from his cousins, who also played domestic cricket. His dedication and hunger to succeed saw him rise through the ranks quickly, eventually leading him to represent Pakistan at the international level.
When he debuted in 2015 in an ODI against Zimbabwe, few could have predicted the heights he would reach. Fast forward to today, and Babar Azam’s records have become benchmarks for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Babar Azam International Scores: A Breakdown of His Stellar Career
Babar Azam’s international scores highlight his consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Whether it’s ODIs, Tests, or T20s, Babar has delivered match-winning performances across all formats. Let’s look at his career format-wise:
1. Babar Azam ODI Runs
Babar Azam’s dominance in ODIs is undeniable. Known for his ability to pace an innings and score big, he has consistently ranked among the top ODI batsmen globally.
- Runs Scored: Over 5,809 runs
- Centuries: 19 centuries
- Batting Average: 57 – a testament to his consistency
- Notable Record: Babar holds the record for being the fastest batsman to score 1,000 runs in ODIs in a calendar year.
His knack for chasing targets and building partnerships makes him the backbone of Pakistan’s ODI batting lineup.
2. Babar Azam in T20 Internationals
Babar Azam’s records in T20 Internationals are equally remarkable. His ability to adapt to the shortest format without compromising his technique has been a key reason for his success.
- Total Runs: Over 4223 runs in T20Is
- Centuries: 3 T20I centuries
- Fastest T20 Runs: He recently became the second-fastest player to 3,000 T20I runs, achieving the feat in just 81 innings.
- Strike Rate: 129.02 – a balance of aggression and stability
His elegant batting in the powerplay and ability to anchor an innings makes him a standout player in T20 cricket.
3. Babar Azam in Test Matches
In the longer format, Babar Azam has evolved into a dependable middle-order batsman for Pakistan. His ability to play long innings under challenging conditions has earned him respect worldwide.
- Test Runs: Over 3,997 runs
- Centuries: 9 Test centuries, including a memorable double century against Australia in Karachi.
- Batting Average: 43.90
Babar Azam’s Test performances highlight his ability to adapt to any condition and format, making him a true all-format player.
Notable Babar Azam Records That Define His Legacy
- Fastest to 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 Runs in ODIs
Babar holds multiple records for being the fastest player to achieve various run milestones in ODIs. His pace of scoring runs has often drawn comparisons to Virat Kohli. - Most Centuries by a Pakistani Captain
Babar Azam has broken several captaincy-related records, including scoring the most centuries as a Pakistani captain in ODIs and T20Is. - ICC Awards and Rankings
Babar has consistently been ranked among the top three batsmen in all formats, earning ICC accolades for his performances year after year. - Record-Breaking Partnerships
In both domestic and international cricket, Babar has been part of record-breaking partnerships, showcasing his ability to build innings with teammates. - 11,000 T20 Runs Milestone
In T20 cricket, Babar Azam has joined an elite club of players with over 11,000 runs across all T20 formats, achieving the milestone faster than most.
Babar Azam as a Captain: Leading From the Front
Babar Azam’s captaincy has brought stability and confidence to the Pakistan cricket team. While critics questioned his leadership early on, Babar silenced them with his performances and results. Under his captaincy, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021 and defeated India in the group stages for the first time in a World Cup.
Babar’s ability to lead by example, with both bat and fielding placements, makes him a captain who earns respect on and off the field.
Consistency is King: What Sets Babar Azam Apart
While many players have flashes of brilliance, Babar Azam’s career is defined by one key factor—consistency. He doesn’t rely on moments of magic but instead ensures that his performances are steady across formats.
What makes Babar special is his ability to adapt his batting style to different formats. Whether it’s accelerating in T20s, anchoring innings in ODIs, or grinding out long sessions in Tests, Babar excels in all conditions.
Comparison with Other Cricketing Greats
It’s no surprise that Babar Azam is often compared to modern-day greats like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. While each player brings something unique to the table, Babar’s rapid rise and unmatched consistency make him stand out.
For example:
- Babar vs. Kohli: Babar is ahead in terms of being the fastest to multiple ODI milestones.
- Babar vs. Williamson: While Williamson is known for his Test prowess, Babar’s ability across all formats gives him the edge.
- Babar vs. Smith: Unlike Smith, who dominates primarily in Tests, Babar is equally impactful in T20s and ODIs.
Challenges and Criticisms Faced by Babar Azam
Despite his phenomenal records, Babar Azam has faced his share of challenges. Some critics argue that his strike rate in T20Is could improve, while others believe he needs to perform more consistently in pressure situations.
However, Babar’s response to criticism has always been through his performances. Time and again, he has proved his mettle and shown why he is the face of Pakistan cricket.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Babar Azam?
As Babar Azam continues to evolve as a cricketer, the future looks bright for him. With multiple ICC tournaments on the horizon, Babar has the opportunity to lead Pakistan to global glory.
Fans are particularly eager to see how he fares in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup and whether he can break more records. Given his track record, it’s safe to say that Babar Azam’s career is far from reaching its peak.
FAQs About Babar Azam International Scores
1. How many centuries has Babar Azam scored?
Babar Azam has scored 31 international centuries across all formats, including 19 in ODIs, 9 in Tests, and 3 in T20Is.
2. What are Babar Azam’s notable records in cricket?
Some of his notable records include being the fastest to 1,000 ODI runs in a calendar year and achieving 11,000 T20 runs in record time.
3. How does Babar Azam compare to Virat Kohli?
Babar is often compared to Kohli due to their similar batting styles and consistency. He has outpaced Kohli in several run-scoring milestones.
4. What is Babar Azam’s Test batting average?
Babar Azam has an impressive Test batting average of 48.63, showcasing his ability in the longest format of the game.
5. What role does Babar Azam play in T20 Internationals?
In T20Is, Babar is both an anchor and an aggressor, known for his ability to pace an innings and build partnerships.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s journey from a promising young cricketer to one of the game’s legends is nothing short of inspiring. With record-breaking performances, incredible international scores, and a leadership style that brings out the best in his team, Babar continues to make Pakistan proud.
As fans, we can only watch in awe as he adds more milestones to his already illustrious career. One thing is certain—Babar Azam’s legacy is here to stay.
