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Babar Azam joins Virat Kohli in an all-time T20I list after smashing fifty vs Zimbabwe

Akshita Patel

Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli's record [Source: @cricketaffairs3/X.com]Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli's record [Source: @cricketaffairs3/X.com]

In the Tri-Series T20I against Zimbabwe, Babar Azam scored a slugging fifty off 42 balls. That marked the 38th half-century of his T20I career as he matched Virat Kohli in most fifties record list.

After a long exile due to poor form, Babar was recalled for the T20I Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. 

However, he had a horrendous start with a duck in the first game of the series.

Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli’s record of most T20I fifties

Even against Sri Lanka, Babar Azam could only score 16 runs. However, in the 4th contest against Zimbabwe, the batter finally broke the shackles. 

Batting first, Sahibzada Farhan set a platform for Pakistan with 63 off 41 balls. Babar, walking out to bat at no. 3, capitalised on the momentum and slammed a 42-ball fifty.

Most fifties in T20Is

  • 38 – Virat Kohli (117 innings)
  • 38 – Babar Azam (127 innings)*
  • 32 – Rohit Sharma (151 innings)
  • 30 – Mohammad Rizwan (93 innings)
  • 28 – David Warner (110 innings)
  • 28 – Jos Buttler (132 innings)

While his strike rate was low, the runs were crucial. He brought up his 58th T20I fifty to equal the record of most fifties registered by a player in the format’s history. 

The record is held by Virat Kohli, who retired from the format in 2024. However, Kohli’s average is far better (48.69) compared to Babar’s (39.76). 

Not only that, but the Indian star holds an edge in strike rate (137.04), while Azam is still struggling at 128.38.

That being said, Babar Azam was eventually dismissed at 74 off 52 balls by Sikandar Raza. But his knock allowed Pakistan to post a strong total of 195 runs. Fakhar Zaman also played a crucial role with a late cameo of 27 off 10 balls.

Notably, Pakistan are leading the Tri-Series table with two wins in as many games. They still have a game to go against Sri Lanka.

By the end of the 6th fixture, the top two teams will compete in the final scheduled at Rawalpindi Stadium on November 29.