Babar Azam Surpasses Virat Kohli, Equals Hashim Amla’s ODI Record

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has etched his name in the record books once again by becoming the joint-fastest player to score 6,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He achieved this historic feat during the final of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand at the National Stadium.

Babar reached the milestone in just 123 innings, equaling the legendary South African batsman Hashim Amla, who previously held the record for being the fastest to 6,000 ODI runs.

Breaking Virat Kohli’s Record for Fastest Asian to 6,000 ODI Runs

In addition to matching Amla’s record, Babar Azam surpassed India’s batting maestro Virat Kohli, becoming the fastest Asian cricketer to reach this milestone. Kohli, who had taken 136 innings to score 6,000 ODI runs, was outpaced by Babar, who managed to achieve it 13 innings earlier.

Babar Azam’s Struggles in the Initial Overs

Pakistan, led by captain Mohammad Rizwan, won the toss and opted to bat first in the tri-series final. Opening the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam had a cautious start. He found it difficult to score fluently and struggled to find gaps in the early overs.

However, in the 7th over of the innings, Babar capitalized on a half-volley from New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy, elegantly driving it through the covers to reach the 6,000-run landmark.

Babar Azam’s ODI Milestones and Previous Records

This is not the first time Babar Azam has achieved an ODI milestone at a rapid pace. He had earlier set the record for being the fastest cricketer to 5,000 ODI runs, reaching the mark in just 97 matches in May 2023.

Babar Azam’s Recent Form: A Dip After ODI World Cup

While Babar Azam remains one of the finest ODI batters of the modern era, his recent form has been inconsistent.

• Since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup 2023, Babar has struggled to maintain his dominance with the bat.
• In his last seven ODI innings, he has managed to score only two fifty-plus scores.
• The ongoing tri-series, which is being seen as a crucial preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has also not gone in his favor.

Babar’s Performance in the Tri-Series

• In the opening game against New Zealand, he was dismissed cheaply for just 10 runs.
• Against South Africa, he again fell short, scoring only 23 runs while chasing a big total.
• In the final, Babar looked in better touch, anchoring Pakistan’s innings after early wickets.

Babar Azam’s Dismissal in the Tri-Series Final

In the tri-series final, Babar showed glimpses of his usual stability as Pakistan lost Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel early.

At the end of the first powerplay, Babar was unbeaten on 24 runs, helping Pakistan reach 48/2. However, while attempting to accelerate the innings, he mistimed a shot off Nathan Smith and was dismissed for 29 runs in the 12th over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 54/3.