Babar Azam Breaks Virat Kohli's Record To Become Quickest To 1,000 Runs In T20Is

Pakistan batsman Babar Azam, on Sunday, broke Virat Kohli’s record of fastest to 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals. The right-handed batsman achieved the feat during the third T20I against New Zealand at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai.

Before the start of the game, Babar needed 48 runs to get past Kohli. He achieved the record when he picked a single off Lockie Ferguson in the twelfth over. In doing so, he crossed the 1,000-run mark in his 26th innings. Kohli, on the other hand, had reached the milestone in his 27th innings.

Babar was eventually dismissed 79. The knock came off 58 balls and studded with 7 fours and a couple of sixes. Last week, he became the number one batsman in ICC T20I rankings after starring for Pakistan in the 3-0 series win over Australia. It was the third time, Babar topped the ranking charts in T20Is.

In January this year, Babar Azam topped the ICC’s T20I ranking for the first time after helping Pakistan claim a 2-1 series victory against New Zealand in New Zealand. He had scored 109 runs in that three-match series. Three months later, he rose to the top again after amassing 165 runs in the 3-0 whitewash of the West Indies at home.

Babar finished the series against Australia with 163 runs which saw him overtake Australian captain Aaron Finch in the latest rankings.

So far, Babar Azam has amassed 1,031 runs at an average of over 54 and with a highest score of 97 not out. On  the other hand, Virat Kohli has scored 2,102 runs at an average of nearly 49.