KEY POINTS
- Babar Azam’s 58 against the Thunder marked his 107th T20 fifty-plus score.
- He now trails only Chris Gayle (110) in the 50+ scores list.
- Babar is the youngest in the elite group of five batters with over 100 T20 50+ scores.
SYDNEY: Pakistan’s batting star Babar Azam has not only returned to form in the Big Bash League (BBL) but also placed himself on the verge of overtaking a Twenty20 giant, inching closer to a major career milestone.
Babar Bounces Back, Eyes Gayle’s Record
After a quiet start to his debut BBL season with the Sydney Sixers, managing just 11 runs in his first two outings, Babar Azam announced his arrival with a classy half-century in the Sydney derby against the Thunder on Saturday.
The right-hander crafted a composed 58 from 42 balls, his innings laced with five fours and two sixes, to guide his team to a strong total. More significantly, this knock was his 107th score of 50 or more in T20 cricket.
Within Touching Distance of a Legend
The half-century propelled Babar to fourth on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores in T20s, now sitting just behind West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who has 110. Australia’s David Warner leads with 121, followed by India’s Virat Kohli (114).
With the Sydney Sixers having at least seven more group-stage matches, and potential playoff games, Babar requires just four more fifty-plus scores to surpass Gayle’s tally, a milestone well within his reach this season.
Derby Knock Proves Decisive
Babar’s return to form was instrumental in the Sixers’ commanding performance. He forged a match-defining 140-run second-wicket partnership with Josh Philippe (96), which laid the foundation for the Sixers’ imposing total of 198 for five.
The innings served as a timely reminder of his world-class pedigree and provided crucial momentum for both his franchise and his personal pursuit of a historic record.
Warner Leads Elite Club
An analysis of career statistics reveals the exclusive group of batters who have scored over a hundred fifties (including centuries) in T20 cricket history, a testament to remarkable longevity and consistency in the format’s most demanding arena.
The list, topped by Australian dynamo David Warner, highlights the dominance of modern icons:
David Warner (Australia) – The left-handed opener stands alone at the summit with 121 scores of fifty or more (8 centuries, 113 fifties).
His explosive strike rate of 140.25 across 424 matches underscores his impact at the top of the order for franchises and country.
Virat Kohli (India) – In second place, the Indian maestro combines sheer volume with classical consistency, boasting 114 50+ scores (9 centuries, 105 fifties).
His average of 41.92 is the highest on this list, reflecting his role as a prolific anchor.
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – The self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” revolutionised T20 batting and sits third with 110 50+ scores.
Notably, his tally includes a staggering 22 centuries—far surpassing his peers—and a phenomenal 1056 sixes, powered by a career strike rate of 144.75.
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – The Pakistani star is the youngest and fastest-rising member of this elite club with 106 50+ scores (11 centuries, 95 fifties).
His technically sound approach is reflected in his high average of 42.60, and he is currently active and climbing the rankings.
Jos Buttler (England) – Completing the top five, the English wicketkeeper-batter is the format’s quintessential modern finisher, with 105 50+ scores.
Buttler possesses the best strike rate (146.44) among these legends, blending destructive power with innovative shot-making.
