Babar Azam Reaches 9,000 International Runs in 2020s: Surpasses Virat Kohli
Babar Azam Claims the Throne: The Run-Machine of the 2020s
In a display of sheer class and resilience, Babar Azam made a triumphant return to the Pakistan national side for the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. After being sidelined for the opening Test in Mirpur due to injury, the legendary batter wasted no time in reminding the world of his pedigree. Scoring a vital 68 runs from 84 deliveries, including 10 elegant boundaries, Babar top-scored for his side and, in doing so, achieved a feat no other cricketer has managed in this decade.
The Pakistani ace has officially become the first player to scale the 9,000 international run mark in the 2020s. This milestone is a testament to his incredible consistency across all three formats of the game since January 1, 2020. While the previous decade was defined by the rivalry of the ‘Fab Four,’ the current ten-year cycle is increasingly becoming the era of Babar Azam.
The Statistical Breakdown: How Babar Leads the Pack
Since the turn of the decade, Babar Azam has been a mainstay in the Pakistan lineup, accumulating runs at a prolific rate. In the 231 innings he has played across 212 matches, Babar has amassed a staggering 9,060 international runs. This achievement comes with a healthy average of 42.53, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when required.
Beyond just the volume of runs, Babar’s ability to convert starts into big scores has been pivotal. He has registered 17 centuries during this period, placing him third on the list of most hundreds in the 2020s, trailing only England’s Joe Root and India’s young sensation Shubman Gill. His performance in Sylhet was a microcosm of his importance; when Pakistan slipped to a precarious 79-4, Babar’s fighting knock ensured the team reached 232, limiting the first-innings deficit to just 46 runs.
The Rivalry: Babar Azam vs. Virat Kohli
For years, the cricket world has debated the supremacy between Babar Azam and Indian icon Virat Kohli. However, the statistics for the current decade tell a lopsided story. While Kohli was the undisputed king of the 2010s, he currently finds himself outside the top five run-scorers of the 2020s.
Kohli sits in sixth place on the leaderboard with 6,873 runs from 198 innings. It is important to note the context of these figures: the Indian legend stepped away from T20Is in mid-2024 and concluded his illustrious Test career the following year. In contrast, the 2010-2020 window saw Kohli rule the sport with a landslide margin, scoring 20,960 runs at an average of 57.58. As the ‘chase master’ transitions into a different phase of his career, Babar Azam has stepped up to fill the void at the summit of global batting.
Top 5 International Run-Scorers Since January 2020
The leaderboard for the most international runs in the 2020 decade highlights a diverse mix of talent, with Babar Azam comfortably ahead of his closest competitors:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): 9,060 runs
- Joe Root (England): 8,785 runs
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): 8,154 runs
- Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): 7,698 runs
- Litton Das (Bangladesh): 7,440 runs
The presence of two Pakistani players in the top three—Babar and Rizwan—underscores the heavy reliance the national team has placed on its premier batting duo over the last four years.
Bangladesh Takes Control in Sylhet Decider
While Babar’s individual brilliance was the highlight for Pakistan, the team faces a steep climb in the second Test. The Bangladesh bowling unit, led by the fiery Nahid Rana (3-60) and the crafty Taijul Islam (3-67), successfully dismantled the Pakistan batting order for 232 in 57.4 overs. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also contributed with two wickets apiece to hand the hosts a 46-run lead.
By the close of play on Day 2, Bangladesh had further strengthened their position. Opening batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy played a regal innings, reaching 52 not out as the hosts crossed the 100-run mark in their second innings. With a lead already exceeding 150, the pressure is firmly on the Pakistan bowlers to strike early on Day 3 and keep their hopes of a series win alive.
Conclusion: A New Era Defined
As the 2020s progress, Babar Azam’s consistency remains his greatest weapon. By becoming the first to 9,000 runs, he has established a benchmark that will be difficult for others to surpass. While the Test match in Sylhet hangs in the balance, Babar’s personal milestone serves as a reminder of his status as one of the modern greats, successfully taking over the mantle from the legends of the previous decade.
