Babar Azam returned to Pakistan’s Test line-up with a commanding batting display in the second Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet, compiling a half-century and reaching another major career landmark as the visitors fought back after an early wobble.
Babar’s comeback knock in Sylhet
After missing the opening Test in Mirpur due to injury, Babar made an immediate impact in Sylhet. He struck 68 from 84 balls, hitting 10 fours, and finished as Pakistan’s leading scorer in the first innings.
His innings proved pivotal as Pakistan clawed their way from 79/4 to 232, a total that kept Bangladesh’s advantage in check. By the time Pakistan were dismissed, Bangladesh led by 46 runs.
- Babar Azam scored 68 off 84 deliveries with 10 boundaries in Pakistan’s first innings
- Pakistan recovered from 79/4 to 232, trimming Bangladesh’s lead to 46
Milestones across the 2020 decade
Beyond the match context, Babar’s knock carried long-term significance. During the innings, he completed 9,000 international runs in the 2020s, moving past Joe Root and teammate Mohammad Rizwan on the list of top run-scorers in international cricket since January 2020.
In total, Babar has now amassed 9,060 runs in the decade from 231 innings across 212 international matches, at an average of 42.53. He has also recorded 17 centuries in this period, placing him third-highest among batters, behind Root and Shubman Gill.
Most international runs in the 2020 decade (since January 2020)
- Babar Azam: 231 innings, 9,060 runs, average 42.53
- Joe Root: 177 innings, 8,305 runs, average 51.90
- Mohammad Rizwan: 210 innings, 7,779 runs, average 45.75
- Kusal Mendis: 215 innings, 7,046 runs, average 35.94
- Pathum Nissanka: 1986 runs in 198 innings, average 36.95
- Virat Kohli: 182 innings, 6,771 runs, average 42.31
Where Kohli stands and what changed for India
The standings also show that Virat Kohli, who ruled international cricket in the previous decade, is currently sixth on the list for the 2020s. Kohli has 6,771 runs from 182 innings since January 2020.
Kohli is no longer part of India’s setup across all formats after retiring from T20 Internationals in 2024 and from Test cricket in 2025.
In the 2010 to 2020 stretch, Kohli led the run charts with 20,960 runs from 431 innings at an average of 57.58. That period included 69 centuries and 98 fifties.
Bangladesh take charge after dismissing Pakistan
Bangladesh pushed ahead in the series-deciding Test after bowling Pakistan out for 232 in 57.4 overs. The innings featured a strong wicket haul, with Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam taking three wickets each.
Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also contributed, claiming two wickets apiece as Bangladesh set up a commanding position in the match.
- Bangladesh bowled Pakistan out for 232 in 57.4 overs
- Nahid Rana: 3 wickets; Taijul Islam: 3 wickets
- Taskin Ahmed: 2 wickets; Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 2 wickets
On Day 2, Bangladesh continued their progress and passed the 100-run mark before stumps. Mahmudul Hasan Joy made 52 as they ended the day in a favourable spot.
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