Babar Azam is on the verge of breaking a significant record in the world of ODI cricket, one that will see him surpass two of the modern greats: Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla. The Pakistani cricket star, who currently holds the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, is approaching the milestone of becoming the fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in the format. If Babar achieves this feat, it will further solidify his place among cricket’s elite players and add another significant chapter to his growing legacy.
Babar Azam’s Race to 6,000 Runs
At just 5,905 runs in 119 innings, Babar Azam is already one of the fastest players to accumulate runs in the history of ODI cricket. Hashim Amla currently holds the record for the fastest to 6,000 runs, achieving the milestone in 123 innings. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli reached this landmark in 136 innings. Babar is closing in on these records and will soon take the top spot if he manages to maintain his remarkable consistency in the upcoming matches.
What makes this achievement even more impressive is that Babar Azam is still in the prime of his career. Unlike other modern-day greats, who have seen their performances dip in the later years of their careers, Babar has maintained an almost unparalleled consistency in all formats of the game, particularly in ODIs. His technical proficiency and ability to play across all conditions make him a player for the future, one who could continue breaking records for many years to come.
A Return to Form
Babar’s recent performance in the second ODI against South Africa on December 19 marked his return to form after a brief dip in his performances. In what was a crucial match for Pakistan, Babar scored a vital 73 runs off 95 balls, leading his team to an 81-run victory. This innings came after a series of below-par performances, most notably in the 2023 World Cup. Babar had been under the microscope, with many critics questioning his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, but his knock against South Africa showed that he is well and truly back in business.
This knock was especially significant because it was his first half-century since the 2023 World Cup, where Pakistan had faced early elimination. It also marked the beginning of what could be another prolific run for the world-class batter. His ability to bounce back from difficult patches and contribute meaningfully in crucial games shows his mental strength and adaptability, qualities that are often the mark of the very best players.
Record-Breaking Half-Centuries
Babar Azam’s recent performance also saw him break a major record held by former Indian captain MS Dhoni. In his innings against South Africa, Babar scored his 39th half-century against “SENA” countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), surpassing Dhoni’s record of 38. This accomplishment further underscores Babar’s consistency in difficult conditions, as the SENA countries are known for their challenging playing conditions. Babar’s ability to score half-centuries and match-winning innings against these top-tier teams is a testament to his skill and resilience.
While Dhoni was known for his leadership skills and the way he guided India to major ICC titles, Babar is steadily making a name for himself as a player who can thrive on the world stage and break records. This half-century record is just one of many that Babar has set his sights on in the years to come, as he continues to climb the ladder of cricketing excellence.
Closing In on Saeed Anwar’s Record
With 19 ODI centuries to his name, Babar Azam is also getting closer to breaking another significant record—Saeed Anwar’s record for the most centuries by a Pakistani cricketer. Anwar, who was one of Pakistan’s most celebrated openers, scored 20 ODI centuries during his career. Babar is just one short of matching this record and is well poised to surpass it in the upcoming series. This milestone will mark a historic achievement for Babar and place him at the top of the list of all-time ODI century-makers for Pakistan.
However, there is a small challenge that Babar must overcome before he can claim this record: his recent drought of centuries. Babar’s last century came in the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal, and since then, he has struggled to find that elusive hundred. Despite his consistent runs and match-winning knocks, the lack of centuries has become a point of concern for many cricket fans and experts.
The Pressure to Deliver
As Pakistan prepares for the third and final ODI against South Africa on December 22, Babar Azam’s form and ability to break more records will be under the microscope. The pressure on him to deliver not only for his team but also for his own legacy is mounting. While records are important, they are secondary to the team’s success, and Babar will be hoping to lead from the front with a match-winning knock that could seal the series for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s cricketing future looks bright with players like Babar Azam leading the charge, but for him to truly be regarded as one of the greats, he needs to consistently deliver at the highest level and ensure that his records translate into success for his team.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Babar Azam is quickly establishing himself as one of the finest batters in the modern era. With the impending record-breaking achievement of becoming the fastest to 6,000 ODI runs, along with his consistent performances against top teams, it’s clear that his place in cricketing history is firmly secured. However, the road ahead is full of challenges, and Babar will need to keep delivering when it matters the most. If he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no doubt that he will be remembered as one of the greatest cricketers to have ever played the game.
