Babar Azam ends half-century drought, extends record as T20I’s leading run-scorer

Lahore, 2 November 2025:

Babar Azam returned to form with a half-century against South Africa in the third T20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, marking his first half-century in the format since May 14, 2024.

The fifty came after a lean stretch of 13 innings without a half-century, during which Babar’s highest score was 44. His previous fifty, a 75 against Ireland in Dublin, came nearly 17 months ago. Since then, the right-hander has struggled for rhythm, recording several starts but failing to convert.

Babar’s latest innings, played in front of a packed Lahore crowd, was a reminder of his class and composure. He timed the chase to perfection, rotating strike smartly and finding boundaries at key moments to steady Pakistan’s innings in pursuit of South Africa’s target.

In the previous match of the series, Babar also etched his name further into cricket history by surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma to become the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals. The milestone added to an already glittering T20I résumé that includes centuries, multiple awards and consistent match-winning performances.

Babar’s fifty under lights in Lahore was not just another score, it was a statement that Pakistan’s batting mainstay is back in rhythm.