LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan star batsman Babar Azam on Sunday became the highest fifty-scorer in men’s T20 International cricket, surpassing India’s Virat Kohli.
Babar reached the milestone during the third T20I against Australia at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
He scored an unbeaten 50 off 36 balls, including three fours and a six, guiding Pakistan to a total of 207 for six. The innings marked the 39th half-century of his T20I career.
Leading T20I run-getter @babarazam258 also tops the list of most fifties in the format 🥇#PAKvAUS | #MateWeAreReady | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/bQy5OFEeWT
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2026
Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli
The record takes Babar past former India captain Virat Kohli, who had 38 fifties in 125 T20I matches.
Indian batter Rohit Sharma is third on the list with 37, followed by Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan with 31, and Australia’s David Warner with 29.
Well Played Babar Azam 👏
Zim Babar smash 50 not out in just 36 balls including 1 six and 3 fours.
Babar Azam said – I’m best in the world, the way I’m hitting the six excellent 👌 pic.twitter.com/bh6S5sK8Wp
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) February 1, 2026
Top five T20I fifty-makers
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 39 in 139 innings
- Virat Kohli (India) – 38 in 125 innings
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 37 in 159 innings
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 31 in 106 innings
- David Warner (Australia) – 29 in 110 innings
Leading run-scorer in T20Is
Babar is also the leading run-scorer in men’s T20Is, with 4,505 runs in 139 innings at an average of 39.51 and a strike rate of 128.38.
He has three T20I centuries to his name, reinforcing his status as one of the finest batters in the shortest format.
Babar’s innings played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s emphatic 111-run win over Australia in the third T20I, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Opener Saim Ayub top-scored with 56 off 37 balls, while all-rounder Shadab Khan contributed a rapid 46 from 19 deliveries.
The Men in Green posted their highest T20I total against Australia, with Babar anchoring the innings and maintaining composure after earlier setbacks in the series.
Sunday’s half-century highlighted Babar’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
The 31-year-old’s record-breaking performance came at a crucial moment, cementing his position as Pakistan’s most reliable T20I batter.
