Mon Nov 18 19:14:09 UTC 2024: **Babar Azam Overtakes Virat Kohli to Become Second Highest T20I Run-Scorer**
Hobart, Australia – Pakistan captain Babar Azam has climbed to second place in the all-time T20I run-scoring charts, surpassing former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Azam’s 41 runs in Pakistan’s third T20I against Australia in Hobart on Monday brought his total to 4192, edging ahead of Kohli’s 4188. Rohit Sharma remains at the top of the list with 4231 runs. Both Kohli and Sharma have since retired from T20I cricket.
Azam’s performance comes after a relatively subdued start to the Australian tour. He scored only 80 runs in the ODI series and managed just three runs in each of the first two T20I matches. However, his innings in Hobart, which included three boundaries off Marcus Stoinis, proved crucial in his ascent up the rankings. He is now just 39 runs away from surpassing Rohit Sharma and claiming the top spot.
Despite Azam’s contribution, Pakistan’s batting performance remained inconsistent, suffering another defeat to Australia after losing the first two matches of the series. Australia’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Aaron Hardie (3 wickets), Spencer Johnson (2 wickets), and Adam Zampa (2 wickets), effectively stifled the Pakistan batsmen. The match saw the debut of Pakistan’s Jahandad Khan and the return of Haseebullah Khan to the lineup. Mohammad Rizwan was rested for the game. Pakistan had previously won the ODI series 2-1.
First Piper 