Babar Azam Surpasses Virat Kohli’s Record as Pakistan Clinch Series Win Over South Africa in Lahore
LAHORE, November 2 — Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam once again proved why he’s considered one of the modern greats of world cricket. The elegant right-hander struck a sublime 68 off 47 balls to guide Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday night.
The win sealed the three-match series for Pakistan and marked another personal milestone for Babar, who surpassed Indian superstar Virat Kohli’s record for the most fifty-plus scores in T20 internationals.
Babar Azam Overtakes Kohli in T20I Records
With his latest match-winning knock, Babar reached 40 scores of 50 or more in T20 internationals, moving ahead of Kohli’s 39. The list of top performers now reads:
-
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 40
-
Virat Kohli (India) – 39
-
Rohit Sharma (India) – 37
-
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 31
-
David Warner (Australia) – 29
-
Jos Buttler (England) – 29
The 29-year-old’s achievement adds another jewel to his glittering career, further cementing his position among the most consistent batters in the shortest format of the game.
Cricket experts and fans alike praised Babar’s performance for its timing, composure, and precision. His fluent stroke play, combined with his ability to anchor an innings under pressure, proved decisive once again for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Confident Chase of 140
Chasing a modest target of 140, Pakistan’s innings had a shaky start as Saim Ayub departed for a six-ball duck in the second over. But Babar quickly steadied the ship, forming a vital 36-run partnership with Sahibzada Farhan, who scored 19 off 18 balls before falling in the seventh over.
From there, Babar took control. Alongside skipper Salman Ali Agha, he built a match-defining 76-run stand for the third wicket, pushing Pakistan firmly into the driver’s seat.
Babar’s innings — laced with nine crisp boundaries — showcased his classic wrist work and placement. Whether it was piercing the off-side field or elegantly glancing the ball to fine leg, his knock was a perfect blend of aggression and finesse.
Salman Ali Agha played an important supporting role with a 33 off 26 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking with quick singles and occasional boundaries.
When Babar finally fell after another masterful innings, Pakistan were within touching distance of victory. Despite a brief scare that saw the hosts lose two wickets in quick succession, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan calmly guided Pakistan home with six balls to spare.
South Africa Struggle to Post a Competitive Total
Earlier in the evening, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that proved spot-on. The home team’s bowlers displayed excellent control, restricting South Africa to 139 for nine in their 20 overs.
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi led from the front, delivering a fiery opening spell that kept South Africa’s top order on the back foot. His early breakthroughs created pressure that the visiting side never truly recovered from.
Salman Mirza, Pakistan’s young pacer, also impressed with his discipline and variations, ensuring the run rate remained in check during the middle overs.
The Proteas’ batting lineup, which has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the series, couldn’t build substantial partnerships this time around. Occasional resistance came from the middle order, but frequent wickets stifled their momentum.
Despite a late cameo, South Africa fell short of setting a defendable total, finishing nine down after 20 overs — a score that always seemed below par on the batting-friendly Gaddafi pitch.
Babar’s Leadership and Form Continue to Inspire
Although no longer serving as captain, Babar Azam remains Pakistan’s backbone in white-ball cricket. His ability to perform under pressure and anchor run chases has been a hallmark of his career.
Saturday’s innings was yet another reminder of his unflappable temperament and match awareness. Whether Pakistan are chasing a modest total or defending a tricky one, Babar’s calm presence in the middle has consistently steadied the team.
“Babar’s batting is pure class — the way he reads the game, paces the chase, and executes under pressure is what separates him from most players,” said a former Pakistan cricketer during the post-match analysis.
The Gaddafi crowd, filled with waving flags and roaring chants of “Babar! Babar!”, celebrated his record-breaking night as Pakistan wrapped up the series in style.
A Look at the Milestone Moment
Babar’s 68 off 47 balls not only brought Pakistan victory but also put him atop one of cricket’s most prestigious T20I batting charts. Surpassing Virat Kohli, a player widely regarded as one of the greatest T20 batters, marks a historic achievement for the Pakistani star.
Interestingly, both Babar and Kohli share a similar style of play — technically sound, elegant, and adaptable across all formats. But in recent years, Babar’s consistency in T20Is has helped him edge ahead statistically.
With 40 fifty-plus scores in 107 matches, Babar’s strike rate and average continue to reflect his class and reliability. His partnership with Mohammad Rizwan at the top of Pakistan’s order has been one of the most successful opening pairs in modern T20 cricket.
Fans and Analysts React
The cricketing world was quick to react to Babar’s record-breaking performance. Fans flooded social media platforms with congratulatory posts, praising him for his dedication and skill.
Former players and commentators hailed his achievement as a moment of pride for Pakistan cricket. “Babar Azam is redefining consistency in T20 cricket,” wrote one commentator on X. “He’s not just a run-getter — he’s a match-winner.”
Cricket analysts also pointed out that Babar’s milestone comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, as they look to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ODI series and future international tournaments.
Bowling Highlights: Afridi and Mirza Shine
Pakistan’s victory was also a result of a disciplined bowling performance. Shaheen Afridi, as always, set the tone early with his trademark swing and pace. His early breakthroughs dismantled South Africa’s top order, while young pacer Salman Mirza provided solid support through the middle overs.
The spin department, led by Usama Mir, kept things tight, ensuring South Africa never found the rhythm to post a large total. The bowlers’ combined effort reflected Pakistan’s growing depth and versatility in their attack.
Series Recap and What’s Next
With the T20I series now wrapped up, both Pakistan and South Africa will shift their focus to the three-match ODI series, scheduled from November 4 to 8 in Faisalabad.
The series promises to be an exciting contest, especially with both teams aiming to fine-tune their squads ahead of next year’s major international tournaments.
Pakistan’s team management will be encouraged by Babar’s form, the improvement in their middle order, and the sharpness of their bowling unit. Meanwhile, South Africa will be eager to bounce back and find consistency in the longer white-ball format.
Conclusion: A Record-Breaking Night in Lahore
Saturday’s clash at Gaddafi Stadium wasn’t just another T20 match — it was a historic night for Babar Azam and Pakistan cricket. His masterful half-century not only sealed the series win but also etched his name above Virat Kohli in the record books for the most fifty-plus scores in T20I history.
With 40 such innings to his name, Babar continues to be the gold standard for consistency, elegance, and leadership in modern cricket. As Pakistan celebrates their victory, all eyes will now turn to Faisalabad, where the ODI series promises more fireworks — and perhaps, more milestones for one of cricket’s finest talents.