Babar Azam Surpasses 9,000 International Runs in 2020s During Test Return
Babar Azam marked his return to Pakistan’s Test lineup with a half-century and a significant batting milestone during the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet. After missing the series opener due to injury, Babar top-scored for Pakistan with a brisk 68 off 84 deliveries, including 10 boundaries.
His innings anchored a recovery for the visitors. Arriving at the crease with Pakistan struggling at 79 for 4, his knock guided the team to a first-innings total of 232, trimming Bangladesh’s lead to 46 runs.
Setting Decade Records
During his innings, Babar surpassed 9,000 international runs for the 2020s decade. He moved ahead of England’s Joe Root and Pakistan teammate Mohammad Rizwan on the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket since January 2020.
Babar currently holds 9,060 runs from 231 innings across 212 international matches this decade. He maintains an average of 42.53 and has recorded 17 centuries, placing him third in hundreds during this period behind Root and Shubman Gill.
Most International Runs in the 2020s
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 212 | 231 | 9,060 | 42.53 |
| Joe Root | 145 | 180 | 8,450+ | 50.00+ |
| Virat Kohli | 150 | 182 | 6,771 | 40.00+ |
Comparisons to the Previous Decade
Virat Kohli, who dominated the 2010s, currently ranks sixth among run-scorers since January 2020. The former India captain has compiled 6,771 runs from 182 innings in the current decade. Kohli retired from T20 Internationals following the 2024 World Cup victory, though he remains active in Test and ODI formats, correcting earlier inaccurate reports regarding his Test status.
For context, between 2010 and 2020, Kohli led all international batters with 20,960 runs from 431 innings at an average of 57.58, securing 69 centuries and 98 half-centuries.
Match Summary and Day 2 Stumps
Despite Babar’s milestone, Bangladesh maintained control of the series-deciding Test. The hosts dismissed Pakistan for 232 in 57.4 overs. The bowling attack operated effectively as a unit:
- Nahid Rana: 3 wickets
- Taijul Islam: 3 wickets
- Taskin Ahmed: 2 wickets
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: 2 wickets
By stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh extended their advantage, crossing the 100-run mark in their second innings. Mahmudul Hasan Joy anchored the response, finishing the day unbeaten on 52 and keeping the hosts in a commanding position according to live match data.