Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving a significant milestone in ODI cricket, poised to surpass two modern-day legends, Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla.
Currently ranked as the world’s top ODI batsman, Babar is set to break the record for the fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in the format. South Africa’s Hashim Amla holds the record with 6,000 runs in 123 innings, while Babar has accumulated his runs in just 119 innings, putting him in close proximity to this remarkable achievement. Meanwhile, India’s Virat Kohli took 136 innings to reach the same mark.
Babar’s recent performance in the second ODI against South Africa on December 19 marked a return to form. He scored a crucial 73 runs off 95 balls, leading Pakistan to an 81-run victory. This knock also marked his first half-century since the 2023 World Cup.
During the series-clinching second ODI, Babar shared a vital century partnership with Mohammad Rizwan. His half-century also saw him surpass MS Dhoni’s record for the most half-centuries against the “SENA countries” (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Dhoni had held the record with 38, but Babar now leads with 39.
With 19 ODI centuries to his name, Babar is closing in on Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 centuries, the most by a Pakistani cricketer.
Despite a period of scrutiny for his lack of centuries since his last ton in the 2023 Asia Cup, Babar remains a key figure in Pakistan’s lineup. As Pakistan prepares for the third and final ODI against South Africa on December 22, all eyes will be on Babar as he chases more records and further strengthens his ODI legacy.
