Babar Azam Dominates International Cricket: Leading Run-Scorer of the Decade

Babar Azam’s Historic Milestone

In a display of enduring class and remarkable consistency, Babar Azam has officially become the first cricketer to scale the 9,000-run mark in international formats during this decade. The Pakistani talisman, who recently made a triumphant return to the national side for the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet, proved once again why he is considered one of the elite batters of the modern era. His gritty knock of 68 runs from 84 balls, adorned with ten elegant boundaries, was the backbone of Pakistan’s first-innings total.

The Numbers Behind the Dominance

Since the beginning of 2020, Babar Azam has been a constant force across all three formats. Having played 212 matches and spanning 231 innings, the Pakistani icon has accumulated 9,060 runs at an impressive average of 42.53. Beyond the sheer volume of runs, his ability to convert starts into big scores is evident, with 17 international centuries to his name during this period—a tally bettered only by Joe Root and Shubman Gill.

This achievement places him firmly at the summit of the run-scoring charts for the current decade, a position he has held through technical proficiency and immense mental fortitude. While contemporaries like Joe Root and Mohammad Rizwan remain high on the list, the gap between Babar and the rest of the pack continues to widen.

The Changing of the Guard: Virat Kohli‘s Shift

The conversation regarding international run-scoring often centers on the rivalry between Babar Azam and Indian legend Virat Kohli. However, the current data reveals a significant shift in dynamics. While Kohli famously dominated the 2010s—amassing a staggering 20,960 runs at a monstrous average of 57.58 with 69 centuries—his output in the current decade has naturally dipped as he has adjusted his focus.

Currently, Kohli sits sixth on the list of top international run-scorers since January 2020, with 6,873 runs from 198 innings. This statistical variance is largely attributed to Kohli’s transition away from being an all-format regular, having retired from T20Is in mid-2024 and subsequently stepping back from Test cricket. In contrast, Babar remains the lynchpin of the Pakistan batting lineup, consistently appearing in every format.

Context of the Sylhet Test

Babar’s latest achievement occurred during a crucial juncture in the Test series against Bangladesh. With Pakistan struggling at 79-4, his 68-run contribution was pivotal in minimizing the first-innings deficit to just 46 runs, bringing the team to a total of 232. Despite a spirited bowling display from Bangladesh, led by Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam who shared six wickets, Babar’s innings stood out as a lone beacon of stability.

As the series progresses, the focus remains on whether Pakistan can mount a comeback. Bangladesh, buoyed by a 46-run lead and a composed 52 from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, enters the remainder of the match with the upper hand. Nevertheless, Babar Azam’s individual record serves as a stark reminder of his current form.

Looking Ahead

The landscape of international cricket is perpetually evolving. While Virat Kohli’s legacy as the king of the previous decade remains unchallenged, the current decade has undeniably belonged to Babar Azam. As he continues to pile on the runs, the focus for the Pakistani star will now shift toward converting these individual milestones into series victories for his country. With his technique appearing as refined as ever, cricket fans worldwide can expect the 31-year-old to continue adding to his formidable tally for years to come.