Mon Nov 18 19:14:09 UTC 2024: ## Babar Azam Overtakes Kohli in T20I Run Rankings, but Pakistan Whitewashed by Australia

**Hobart, Australia** – Pakistan’s Babar Azam has climbed to second place in the all-time T20I run-scorers list, surpassing Virat Kohli, but his achievement was overshadowed by a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash at the hands of Australia.

Azam reached 4192 runs in 119 innings, edging ahead of Kohli’s 4188 runs from 117 innings. Only Rohit Sharma (4231 runs) remains ahead, but with Sharma’s retirement from T20Is, Azam is poised to claim the top spot soon.

However, the celebratory mood was short-lived for Pakistan. Australia secured a dominant seven-wicket victory in the final T20I in Hobart, chasing down a modest 118-run target in just 12 overs. Marcus Stoinis’ explosive 61 not out, featuring five towering sixes and five fours, spearheaded Australia’s victory. His innings included one six described as the biggest the Australian captain, Josh Inglis, had ever seen.

Pakistan’s innings faltered after a promising start. Babar Azam top-scored with 41, but the team crumbled to 117 all out in the 19th over, with Aaron Hardie taking 3-21. The inexperienced Pakistan batting line-up struggled against the Australian bowlers, particularly Zampa and Hardie.

Despite the T20I series loss, Pakistan captain Salman Agha (standing in for the rested Mohammad Rizwan) highlighted the recent ODI series win as a significant accomplishment, claiming the team would return stronger.

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