Test Ranking: 20

Babar Azam

Babar Azam, a technically gifted top-order batsman from the vibrant city of Lahore, has become Pakistan’s cricketing gem. Born with a natural flair for the game, Babar is the first cousin of the well-known Akmal brothers and began his cricket journey at a young age. He represented Pakistan in the U15 World Championship and participated in the U19 World Cups in 2010 and 2012, emerging as the leading run-scorer for Pakistan in both tournaments.

Rise to the National Team

After impressive performances in the domestic arena, Babar Azam made his international debut for Pakistan in 2015 against Zimbabwe. Initially batting in the middle order, his breakout series came against the West Indies, where he became only the third Pakistani player after Zaheer Abbas and Saeed Anwar to score three consecutive ODI centuries.

Test Debut and Achievements

Babar’s Test debut came against the West Indies in 2016, scoring a half-century in the first innings. His remarkable unbeaten 90 against New Zealand in Hamilton demonstrated his caliber, although his major impact was yet to be seen in Tests. However, his transition across formats has been seamless, establishing himself as a versatile batsman.

T20 Mastery and Record-Breaking Feats

In T20 cricket, renowned for aggressive play, Babar Azam has distinguished himself with elegant, eye-catching strokes. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph and broke Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest 1,000 T20I runs. In 2018, he became the number one batsman in ICC’s T20I Rankings, surpassing Aaron Finch. That same year, he notched his maiden Test century against New Zealand.

Leadership and ODI World Cup Impact

Babar swiftly became a linchpin in the Pakistani squad and was soon appointed captain across all formats. His stellar performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup included becoming the fastest Pakistani to reach 3,000 ODI runs and surpassing Javed Miandad’s record for the most runs by a Pakistani in a single World Cup edition. Despite struggling in some ICC events, his leadership brought success in other formats.

Recent Triumphs and Captaincy Changes

Though Pakistan reached the 2022 World T20 final under Babar’s captaincy, they fell short against England. He became the first Pakistani captain to score a century in ODIs against Australia in 2023. After stepping down from captaincy following a disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar was reappointed in 2024. He continued to achieve milestones, such as breaking the record for most T20I wins as captain and surpassing Virat Kohli for T20I fifties.

Franchise Cricket Success

Babar’s T20 journey is equally illustrious. Starting with Islamabad in the inaugural Pakistan T20 League, he later joined Karachi in 2017, where he shone as the second-highest run-scorer. By 2020, he led the run charts, helping Karachi claim the title, and broke his record in 2021 with 554 runs. In 2023, he moved to Peshawar, leading them to the playoffs. Babar has also showcased his talents in T20 leagues in the West Indies and Bangladesh.

Conclusion

With a blend of classical technique and record-breaking feats, Babar Azam is a rare talent, vital to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy. As he continues to break records and lead the charge, his focus remains on securing an ICC trophy for his nation, cementing his place among cricket’s modern greats.

FAQs about Babar Azam

What makes Babar Azam a standout batsman?

Babar Azam is known for his elegant technique, consistency across formats, and ability to play a wide range of strokes, making him one of Pakistan’s finest batsmen.

When did Babar Azam debut for Pakistan?

Babar Azam made his international debut for Pakistan in 2015 in an ODI against Zimbabwe.

What records has Babar Azam broken?

Babar holds the record for the fastest 1,000 T20I runs, broke Javed Miandad’s record for the most runs by a Pakistani in a single World Cup edition, and surpassed Virat Kohli for the most T20I fifties.

How has Babar Azam performed in T20 leagues?

Babar has been highly successful in T20 leagues, excelling in the Pakistan T20 League, where he topped the run charts and led Karachi to a title in 2020, as well as participating in leagues in the West Indies and Bangladesh.