Babar Azam Edges Closer To Dhoni, Williamson In T20 World Cup Run Records

In the T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match against Canada on Tuesday (June 11) at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Pakistan's captain Babar Azam solidified his status as one of the most prolific batsmen in T20 World Cup history.

This performance has brought Babar Azam closer to the top of the leaderboard for the most runs scored as a captain in the T20 World Cup, a record currently held by Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni. In the match against Canada, he scored 33 runs off 33 balls.

1. MS Dhoni (IND) - 529 runs in 33 matches

2. Kane Williamson* (NZ) - 526 runs in 18 matches

3. Babar Azam* (PAK) - 517 runs in 16 matches

4. Mahela Jayawardene (SL) - 360 runs in 11 matches

5. Graeme Smith (SA) - 352 runs in 16 matches ('*' denotes active player)

Babar Azam's consistent performances have seen him quickly rise up the ranks, with only 12 runs now separating him from Williamson and 13 from Dhoni. His performance in the ongoing competition will be crucial for Pakistan's campaigns.

He is well on his way to becoming the highest run-scoring captain in T20 World Cup history but the exceedingly talented cricketer will be judged on how his team does in the marquee competition.

In addition to his World Cup achievements, Babar Azam has also extended his lead as the top run-scorer in T20 Internationals, surpassing cricketing greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Leading Run Scorers in T20 Internationals:

1. Babar Azam - 4113 runs (122 matches)

2. Virat Kohli - 4042 runs (119 innings)

3. Rohit Sharma - 4039 runs (153 matches)

Babar's tally of 4113 runs in 122 matches showcases his exceptional talent and consistency in the game's shortest format. His ability to score runs against various opponents and in different conditions has set him apart from his peers. This milestone is particularly impressive given the fewer matches he has played than Rohit Sharma.

Most Successful Openers in T20 Internationals

Babar Azam's success is not just limited to his individual brilliance. His partnerships, particularly with fellow Pakistani opener Mohammad Rizwan, have been pivotal for the team's success in T20Is.

Most 50+ Run Partnerships in T20Is

1. Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan - 25*

2. Andy Balbirnie & Paul Stirling - 17

3. KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma - 15

4. Kevin O'Brien & Paul Stirling - 13

The Babar-Rizwan duo has proven to be the most prolific in T20I history, with 25 fifty-plus partnerships. Their understanding and ability to complement each other's styles have made them a formidable pair at the top of the order.