Babar Azam Equals Hashim Amla’s Record, Becomes Joint-Fastest to 6,000 ODI Runs

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has etched his name in the record books by becoming the joint-fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this milestone in just 123 innings, equalling the record set by South African legend Hashim Amla.

Babar reached the landmark during the final of the tri-nation series against New Zealand in Karachi. In his 126 ODIs so far, the Pakistan batter has amassed 6,019 runs at an impressive average of 55.73 and a strike rate of 88.13. His career tally includes 19 centuries and 34 half-centuries, with a highest score of 158.

In the series final, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. Babar looked fluent during his 34-ball knock of 29 runs, striking four boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 85.29. However, his innings was cut short as he fell to Nathan Smith in a soft dismissal. His recent form has been under scrutiny, as he has not been able to register an ODI or international century since August 2023, when he smashed 151 against Nepal in the Asia Cup. He also failed to notch a half-century in the tri-nation series.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and chose to bat first in the series final. The match serves as a crucial rehearsal for both Pakistan and New Zealand, as they are set to face each other again in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday. A victory in the final could provide a significant morale boost for the winning side ahead of the prestigious tournament.

Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke.