Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to make a high-profile comeback as his side takes on South Africa in the 1st T20I, with a major record in sight. The former Pakistan captain, who was dropped for the Asia Cup 2025, has been recalled to the T20 setup by coach Mike Hesson, and could now surpass India’s Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in T20I history.
The 31-year-old Babar currently has 4,223 runs in 121 innings, just nine runs short of overtaking Rohit Sharma’s tally of 4,231 runs. With an impressive average of 39.83 and 36 half-centuries, Babar’s consistency remains unmatched. He also holds 39 fifty-plus scores, the joint-most in the format alongside Virat Kohli.
| Most T20I runs | Country | Innings | Runs | HS | 100s | 50s | Avg | S/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
This will also mark Babar’s first T20I appearance since December 2024, as he returns at No.3, replacing Fakhar Zaman in the batting lineup. Traditionally an opener — having started in 87 of his 121 innings — Babar’s new middle-order role could prove crucial for Pakistan, who struggled for batting consistency during the Asia Cup.
A solid outing in this match could not only help Pakistan begin the series on a strong note but also make Babar Azam the leading run-getter in T20I cricket history, surpassing one of India’s finest, Rohit Sharma.
