Pakistan Captain Babar Azam wrote another golden chapter in his illustrious career, surpassing Virat Kohli’s T20I record of most fifty-plus scores to lead his team to a 2-1 series win. South Africa At Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The star batsman’s restrained but impressive innings of 68 off 47 balls ensured Pakistan’s chase remained steady as they won by six wickets in the series decider.
Babar Azam surpasses Virat Kohli’s T20I milestone
In a moment that cricket fans around the world will remember, Babar scored his 40th T20I score of fifty or more, surpassing Kohli’s previous record of 39. His innings, studded with nine brilliant fours, exemplified the class and composure that has defined his T20 career.
After opener Sam Ayub was out for duck, Pakistan started the chase nervously, but Babar immediately took control. He made a vital partnership of 76 runs with Salman Ali Aga, stabilizing the innings and setting up the chase perfectly. The captain’s balance between aggression and composure highlights why he remains one of the finest T20 batsmen in modern cricket.
Babar’s milestone came just days after he overtook Rohit Sharma Becoming the leading run-scorer in men’s T20Is – another testament to his consistency across all formats.
Highest 50+ score in men’s T20I
| player | Country | more than 50 points |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 37 fifties, 3 centuries |
| Virat Kohli | India | 38 fifties, 1 century |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 32 fifties, 5 centuries |
Pakistan bowlers laid the foundation of victory
Earlier, Pakistan bowlers performed disciplined South Africa restricted to 139 runs for 9 wickets In its stipulated 20 overs. The pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf struck early to dismantle the Proteas’ top order. Meanwhile, the spinners maintained control in the middle overs and never allowed South Africa to regain any momentum.
The collective effort of the bowlers laid the right foundation to chase the target and Pakistan’s batsmen exploited this effectively. The home team’s fielding was also sharp, with key catches preventing South Africa from recovering towards the end of the innings.
Despite a stellar performance by South Africa early in the series, Pakistan’s adaptability and depth in both departments proved decisive in the final.
Also read: Pakistan beats South Africa, Babar Azam breaks Rohit Sharma’s T20 record
Babar Azam reacts: “It’s about handling the pressure”
After being named Player of the Match, Babar reflected on his record-breaking innings and the team’s victory.
“This shift was long overdue,” He accepted. “I backed myself and the team believed in me. It’s about how you handle the pressure. I just wanted to play according to the situation.”
His calm leadership and ability to perform under pressure came to the fore once again – traits that have defined his captaincy over the years.
With this win, Pakistan not only clinched the series but also sent a strong message ahead of their upcoming international commitments. The win will boost the team’s confidence as they prepare for a busy cricket calendar ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For Babar, the night was about more than just records – it was a reminder of his enduring dominance in T20 cricket and his ability to lead from the front when it matters most.