Babar Azam crosses 8000 runs in T20 cricket, scales captaincy milestone

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan (PC: Twitter)

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has now added another feather to his already illustrious cap. The cricketer crafted 110 unbeaten runs off just 66 balls against England in Karachi, leading his side to series-levelling win in a remarkable run-chase.

The innings helped him cross the 8,000-run threshold in T20 cricket, previously scaled by former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik.

Babar Azam celebrates match-winning ton, watch video

PAK vs ENG 2022: Azam completes 8,000 T20 runs with belligerent ton

Babar Azam charted the second T20I hundred of his career, having previously compiled a 59-ball 122 against South Africa. Overall, the right-hander has seven centuries to his name in the format, courtesy of his prolific run in PSL and other domestic competitions.

Azam’s latest effort also helped him cross 8,000 runs in T20 cricket. The skipper started his innings at 7,979 runs, thus elevating his tally to 8,089 at the end of his knock at an enthralling average of 44.69.

Among all Pakistan batters, only Shoaib Malik had previously reached the milestone, as the former skipper now sits at 11,902 runs across 447 innings. Notably, the 40-year-old is only behind T20 barbarian Chris Gayle in the all-time run-scoring list.

Babar Azam was also adjudged as ‘Player of the Match’ for his effort. His run-chase special also marked his return to form in the format, considering his dry run in the recently-concluded Asia Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam now tops the list of most international centuries as Pakistan captain, surpassing Inzamam-ul-Haq. 

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