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Babar Azam eyes huge Rohit Sharma record in PAK vs SA 1st T20 as he steps back into Pakistan’s T20I squad. The comeback arrives just months after he was dropped for the Asia Cup 2025. Now, the spotlight is firmly on him because Babar Azam eyes huge Rohit Sharma record, needing only 9 runs to eclipse Rohit as the format’s leading run-scorer.
That chase dominates headlines as Pakistan meet South Africa in a high-stakes 1st T20 at home.
Babar Azam closes in on T20I greatness
Babar stands at 4223 T20I runs in 121 innings, averaging a brilliant 39.83. He also owns 39 scores of 50+, the joint most in T20Is alongside Virat Kohli. His consistency places him among modern greats, and now he pushes for the ultimate milestone.
Rohit Sharma leads with 4231 runs, but Babar needs only a boundary and another strike to claim the No.1 spot. As Pakistan seek revival, their star batter returns with history within reach.
Most T20I runs (Top contenders)
| Player | Country | Inns | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | India | 151 | 4231 | 121* | 5 | 32 | 32.05 | 140.85 |
| Babar Azam* | Pakistan | 121 | 4223 | 122 | 3 | 36 | 39.84 | 129.22 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 117 | 4188 | 122* | 1 | 38 | 48.7 | 137.04 |
| Jos Buttler | England | 132 | 3869 | 101* | 1 | 28 | 35.5 | 149.04 |
| Paul Stirling | Ireland | 150 | 3710 | 115* | 1 | 24 | 26.69 | 134.86 |
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 118 | 3531 | 105 | 2 | 20 | 31.81 | 135.7 |
Babar’s track record shows elite numbers. While others built their tallies over long careers, Babar has maintained form and class with striking efficiency.
Babar returns after year-long T20I gap
This series marks Babar’s first T20I appearance since December 2024. Under new management led by Mike Hesson, Pakistan recalled him to stabilize the batting.
He is set to bat at No.3, replacing Fakhar Zaman. It’s a shift from his usual role; Babar has opened in 87 of 121 innings. Yet, the tactical move aims to strengthen Pakistan’s middle after their Asia Cup struggle.
The new role offers room to anchor, rotate, and accelerate. With openers expected to attack early, Babar can control tempo deeper into innings.
Why Pakistan need Babar now
The Asia Cup displayed glaring issues in Pakistan’s top order. Wickets fell early. Timing deserted them. Strike rotation slowed while chasing. Their batters failed to stitch partnerships that counted.
In contrast, Babar brings calm. He reads situations, builds through early overs, and drives the chase smoothly. Most importantly, his presence forces bowlers to plan differently. South Africa know one mistake allows Babar to shred fields and keep the scoreboard ticking.
His return brings security — and his run milestone fuels motivation.
PAK vs SA 1st T20: High-stakes opener
South Africa arrive with pace power, but Pakistan welcome their most reliable T20 batter. Babar’s eyes remain fixed on Rohit Sharma’s record, but his priority will be anchoring the innings.
If he settles early, runs will come. Once comfortable, Babar’s shot range opens up — cover drives, leg glances, lofted straight hits. His calmness under pressure offers Pakistan the perfect foil against South Africa’s pace attack.
The home crowd expects a spectacle. And with a record nine runs away, drama feels guaranteed.
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Is Babar the greatest T20I batter?
The debate intensifies.
His average stands taller than Rohit’s.
His half-century count rivals Virat’s.
His versatility allows him success at any position.
If he claims the run-scoring crown today, Babar strengthens his case as a generational T20I great. Staying consistent with such high returns keeps him in GOAT talks.
Still, longevity matters. Rivalry with Rohit and Kohli keeps pressure rising, but Babar thrives on noise and challenge.
What this record means
If Babar surpasses Rohit, the milestone symbolizes Pakistan’s continued influence on global T20 cricket. His achievement will inspire young batters, proving patient anchors can dominate fast formats.
He may reclaim the captaincy long-term, but for now, pure batting drives his mission. He focuses on scoring, building rhythm, and helping Pakistan get back on track.
Expect fans to celebrate loudly if he crosses the mark. Pakistan cherish their batting icons. Babar remains their biggest modern success story.
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