Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam reached a significant career milestone by scoring 15,000 international runs during the third One Day International (ODI) against South Africa. This achievement took place at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, making him the fifth Pakistani player to join this elite club.
Babar Azam’s Historic Milestone Achievement
In the series-deciding match held on Saturday, Babar achieved this milestone with a score of 27 runs from 32 balls before being run out. Despite the disappointing end to his innings while attempting a third run, his accomplishment further cements his legacy as one of Pakistan’s finest cricketers.
Joining the Legends
Babar Azam now stands alongside cricket legends Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, and Javed Miandad, all of whom have surpassed the 15,000-run mark in international cricket.
His overall statistics across 329 international matches now include:
- Total Runs: 15,004
- Batting Average: 45.46
- Centuries: 31
- Half-Centuries: 104
- Highest Score: 196
Match Summary
In the match, Pakistan secured a historic seven-wicket victory over South Africa, marking their first home series win against the visitors. This win concluded the three-match ODI series with a final score of 2-1.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Pakistan’s bowlers dismantled South Africa’s batting order. Abrar Ahmed shone with the ball, claiming 4 wickets for 27 runs. His performance played a crucial role in South Africa’s collapse, from a promising 106/2 to a total of just 143 all out.
Key Player Performances
Saim Ayub was instrumental in the chase, scoring 77 runs off 70 balls. His partnership with Babar Azam helped stabilize Pakistan’s innings after the loss of an early wicket. Following their dismissals, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha guided the team to victory in just 25 overs.
Abrar Ahmed’s standout bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, solidifying his impact on Pakistan’s historic win.
Conclusion
Babar Azam’s milestone of 15,000 international runs not only highlights his individual talent but also contributes significantly to Pakistan cricket’s rich history. His continued success will inspire future generations of cricketers in the nation.
