LAHORE: Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, made history on Friday by surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma to become the all-time leading run-scorer in men’s T20 internationals. The milestone came as Pakistan cruised to a 9-wicket victory over South Africa in the second T20I of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, levelling the series 1-1.
Babar, who started the match with 4,223 T20I runs, needed just nine runs to overtake Rohit Sharma’s tally of 4,231 runs. He quickly achieved the feat during the second over of Pakistan’s chase, with a single off South Africa’s captain, Donovan Ferreira. Babar got off to a blazing start with a boundary through his trademark cover drive, before settling in and letting his batting partner, Saim Ayub, dominate the early overs.
Record-Breaking Tally in Men’s T20Is
Babar Azam – 4,232 runs in 130 matches
Rohit Sharma – 4,231 runs in 159 matches
Virat Kohli – 4,188 runs in 125 matches
Jos Buttler – 3,869 runs in 144 matches
This feat marks a stunning return for Babar to the national T20I side after being omitted following a disappointing series against South Africa in December last year. Despite his absence from the T20 squad during Pakistan’s recent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 campaign, Babar was recalled for the home series against South Africa, who had finished as runners-up in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Although Babar’s return was marred by a duck in the series opener in Rawalpindi, his record-breaking knock on Friday has firmly re-established his place as one of T20 cricket’s greatest players.
Meanwhile, Pakistan comfortably chased down a target of 111 runs set by South Africa in the second T20I of the three-match series at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. Pakistan reached the target in just 13.1 overs, finishing with 112/1, thanks to an outstanding 71 not out from Saim Ayub.
🏏 Babar Azam becomes the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals 💪#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/950amHyfTV
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 31, 2025
Pakistan’s chase was off to a steady start, with Sahibzada Farhan contributing 28 runs from 23 balls before falling victim to Corbin Bosch in the 6.4th over. However, Ayub’s explosive knock ensured there were no further setbacks as he carried Pakistan over the line with ease. His 38-ball 71 included six boundaries and five sixes, at a blistering strike rate of 186.84.
Babar Azam, the newly crowned leading run-scorer in men’s T20Is, played a more measured role, scoring 11 not out off 18 balls, providing solid support at the other end. The pair added an unbeaten 58 runs to seal the win for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s victory was built on a strong chase, overcoming the initial pressure of South Africa’s bowling attack. The win also ended Pakistan’s brief struggle in the opening T20I, where they were defeated by 55 runs.
