Pakistan captain Babar Azam has answered the noise around his batting with a performance that rewrote the T20 record books. After he was drawn into fresh comparisons with Virat Kohli—particularly over criticism that he struggled to close out a chase against Hyderabad Kingsmen—Azam struck back on the biggest stage he could, turning a PSL appearance into a milestone moment.
Babar Azam becomes fastest to 12,000 T20 runs
On Thursday in Karachi, representing Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League, Babar became the quickest player in T20 cricket to reach 12,000 runs. He achieved the feat in 338 innings (351 matches), edging past Chris Gayle, who previously held the mark with 343 innings. Virat Kohli remains third on the all-time list, reaching the same benchmark in 360 innings.
Top 5 Fastest to 12,000 T20 Runs (By Innings)
- Babar Azam — 338 innings
- Chris Gayle — 343 innings
- Virat Kohli — 360 innings
- David Warner — 368 innings
- Jos Buttler — 405 innings
For Babar, the milestone arrived with remarkable timing. During the PSL clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, he needed only 13 runs to enter the 12,000-run club in T20 cricket. He reached the landmark in the fourth over of Zalmi’s innings.
The knock also placed him among a select group. With the achievement, Babar became only the second Pakistani batter to surpass 12,000 T20 runs. The record for the most T20 runs by a Pakistani player is still held by veteran batter Shoaib Malik.
87* powers Zalmi to 246/3
Opening the innings, Babar stayed unbeaten on 87 off 51 balls. His innings featured 10 fours and two sixes, and he was at his fluent best throughout. Babar then combined with Kusal Mendis to forge a decisive second-wicket partnership of 191 runs, lifting Peshawar Zalmi to a formidable total of 246/3 from their 20 overs.
Kings collapse for 87 as Zalmi win
Chasing a target of 247, Karachi Kings were unable to handle the pressure and folded for just 87. The collapse was driven by sharp bowling from Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Sufiyan Muqeem, with each of the trio taking three wickets apiece. Their combined strike ensured a comprehensive victory for Peshawar Zalmi.
From Kohli comparisons to a record response
Earlier, Babar had voiced frustration about repeated comparisons with Kohli during the post-match press conference following the Peshawar Zalmi versus Hyderabad Kingsmen game. He had urged an end to the talk, saying, “Finish these things. Keep these things to yourself. End the comparison and move on. It’s your misconception that I have not finished matches.”
In the very next outing, Babar clearly decided to let his bat do the talking. He delivered a record-setting display that not only silenced the chatter but also underlined why he is still regarded as one of the most consistent run-scorers in modern T20 cricket.
