Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam is on the brink of rewriting cricket history as he prepares to return to the T20I arena against South Africa in Rawalpindi on October 28, 2025. The former Pakistan captain, who has been absent from the shortest format since December 2024, needs just 9 runs to surpass India’s Rohit Sharma and become the highest run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals. This milestone, if achieved, will cement Babar’s legacy as one of the most consistent and elegant batters in modern cricket.
The upcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa marks Babar’s comeback after being dropped from the squad earlier this year and missing the 2025 Asia Cup. His return is not just a personal redemption arc but a moment of national anticipation, as fans eagerly await the record-breaking innings.
Babar Azam vs Rohit Sharma: T20I Run Tally Comparison
| Player | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 159 | 4,231 | 32.05 | 139.23 | 32 | 4 |
| Babar Azam | 128 | 4,223 | 41.48 | 129.91 | 36 | 3 |
Babar’s superior average and consistency across formats have made him a standout performer, and his imminent record will be a testament to his dominance in T20 cricket.
Timeline of Babar Azam’s T20I Journey
| Year | Milestone Achieved |
|---|---|
| 2016 | T20I debut vs England |
| 2018 | First T20I century |
| 2020 | Ranked No. 1 T20I batter by ICC |
| 2022 | Led Pakistan to T20 World Cup final |
| 2024 | Last T20I appearance before hiatus |
| 2025 | Set to break world record vs South Africa |
Babar’s journey has been marked by elegance, resilience, and a hunger for excellence.
Return to the Squad: Redemption and Responsibility
After Pakistan’s underwhelming Asia Cup campaign, which included three defeats to India, selectors opted to recall Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to stabilize the batting order. Babar’s exclusion earlier in the year had raised eyebrows, especially given his proximity to the T20I run record.
| Selection Decision | Impact on Team |
|---|---|
| Babar dropped | Batting collapse in Asia Cup |
| Rizwan dropped | Lack of top-order stability |
| Babar recalled | Boost in morale and experience |
| Rizwan recalled | Strengthened opening partnership |
The decision to reinstate Babar reflects the selectors’ recognition of his value and leadership.
South Africa Series: The Stage for History
Pakistan will host South Africa in a three-match T20I series starting October 28 in Rawalpindi. All eyes will be on Babar Azam as he takes the crease, needing just 9 runs to etch his name atop the T20I run charts.
| Match Details | Venue | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Rawalpindi | Oct 28, 2025 | Babar’s return, record watch |
| 2nd T20I | Lahore | Oct 30, 2025 | Series momentum |
| 3rd T20I | Karachi | Nov 1, 2025 | Potential series decider |
The series is expected to draw massive viewership, with fans eager to witness history.
Style and Technique: What Sets Babar Apart
Babar Azam’s batting is often described as a blend of classical technique and modern aggression. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed makes him a rare asset in T20 cricket.
| Batting Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Cover Drive | Signature shot, often compared to Kohli |
| Footwork | Precise and balanced |
| Shot Selection | Calculated aggression |
| Temperament | Calm under pressure |
| Adaptability | Performs across conditions and formats |
His style has earned praise from legends like AB de Villiers, Michael Vaughan, and Ricky Ponting.
Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The anticipation around Babar’s record-breaking moment has ignited social media platforms. Hashtags like #BabarAzamRecord, #KingBabar, and #T20IGoat are trending across Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
| Platform | Trending Hashtag | Engagement Volume | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| #BabarAzamRecord | 150,000+ tweets | Highly Positive | |
| #KingBabar | 120,000+ likes | Celebratory | |
| #T20IGoat | 80,000+ shares | Proud and hopeful | |
| YouTube | Record Watch Videos | 2.5 million views | Anticipatory |
Fans from Pakistan, India, and around the world are united in admiration for Babar’s achievement.
Historical Context: T20I Run Leaders Over Time
| Year | Top Run-Scorer | Runs | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Brendon McCullum | 1,700 | New Zealand |
| 2015 | Martin Guptill | 2,200 | New Zealand |
| 2020 | Virat Kohli | 3,159 | India |
| 2023 | Rohit Sharma | 4,231 | India |
| 2025 | Babar Azam (projected) | 4,232+ | Pakistan |
Babar’s rise reflects the evolution of T20 cricket and the growing importance of consistency.
Impact on Pakistan Cricket
Babar’s record will not only be a personal milestone but also a morale booster for Pakistan cricket, which has faced criticism for inconsistent performances in recent tournaments.
| Impact Area | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|
| Team Morale | Boosted confidence and unity |
| Fan Engagement | Renewed interest and support |
| Youth Inspiration | Role model for aspiring cricketers |
| Global Recognition | Elevated status in international cricket |
His achievement could inspire a new generation of Pakistani cricketers.
Expert Commentary and Predictions
Cricket pundits have weighed in on Babar’s impending record:
- Harsha Bhogle: “Babar Azam’s elegance and consistency make him a deserving record-holder.”
- Michael Vaughan: “He’s the best T20 batter in the world right now.”
- Ramiz Raja: “This is a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket.”
| Expert Name | Comment Summary |
|---|---|
| Harsha Bhogle | Praised technique and temperament |
| Vaughan | Called him world’s best T20 batter |
| Ramiz Raja | Highlighted national significance |
The consensus is clear: Babar’s record is not just inevitable—it’s historic.
What’s Next for Babar Azam?
Beyond the T20I record, Babar Azam has several milestones in sight:
- Becoming Pakistan’s highest run-scorer across formats
- Leading Pakistan to ICC tournament victories
- Breaking into top 5 ICC rankings in all formats
| Upcoming Milestone | Current Status | Target Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Most runs for Pakistan | 2nd behind Inzamam | By 2026 |
| ICC Trophy Win | Finalist in 2022 | T20 WC 2026 |
| ICC Rankings Top 5 | No. 6 in ODIs | Early 2026 |
His journey is far from over, and the cricketing world will be watching.
Conclusion
Babar Azam stands just 9 runs away from becoming the highest run-scorer in T20I history, surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma. As he returns to the Pakistan squad for the South Africa series, the stage is set for a historic moment that will redefine records and inspire millions. With elegance, consistency, and unmatched determination, Babar Azam is not just chasing a number—he’s carving a legacy.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available sports data and media reports. It does not constitute betting advice or endorsement. All views expressed are for informational purposes only.
