Babar Azam has reached another major milestone in his international cricket career, becoming the fifth Pakistan batter to score 16,000 runs across all three formats. The former Pakistan captain achieved the landmark against Sri Lanka during the ODI series in Rawalpindi, adding another memorable chapter to his growing list of batting achievements.
Babar needed just seven runs before the match to reach the 16,000-run mark. He completed the milestone on the sixth ball of the fifth over, bringing up the landmark in his 355th international appearance. The achievement places him alongside some of Pakistan cricket’s most celebrated batters, including Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Javed Miandad.
For Babar, the milestone represents more than a statistical achievement. It reflects his consistency across formats and his ability to remain among Pakistan’s leading run-scorers through different phases of his international career.
The right-handed batter made his international debut in May 2015 and quickly established himself as one of Pakistan’s most dependable top-order players. His technically sound batting, ability to build innings and growing experience have helped him become a central figure in the national team.
Babar Azam joins Pakistan’s 16,000-run club
Reaching 16,000 international runs is a significant achievement for any batter, particularly in modern cricket, where players must adapt to the different demands of Test matches, ODIs and T20 internationals.
Babar is now the fifth Pakistan batter to cross the landmark. Only four players from the country have accumulated more international runs, underlining the company he has joined.
Inzamam-ul-Haq leads Pakistan’s all-time international run-scoring list with 20,541 runs in 495 matches between 1991 and 2007. The former captain remains one of the most influential batters in the country’s cricket history.
Younis Khan occupies second place with 17,790 runs from 408 international matches between 2000 and 2017. Known for his determination and ability to perform under pressure, Younis enjoyed an outstanding career across formats and became one of Pakistan’s greatest Test batters.
Mohammad Yousuf ranks third with 17,134 runs in 374 matches, maintaining an impressive career average of 45.81. His elegant stroke play and ability to dominate bowling attacks made him one of the finest batters of his generation.
Javed Miandad sits fourth with 16,213 runs in 357 matches between 1975 and 1996. A defining figure in Pakistan cricket, Miandad was renowned for his competitive spirit, tactical awareness and performances in high-pressure situations.
Babar has now moved into fifth place with more than 16,000 international runs. The next target on Pakistan’s all-time list is Miandad’s tally, although the gap means Babar will need further substantial contributions to move past the former great.
Babar Azam’s Test, ODI and T20I records
Babar’s position among Pakistan’s leading run-scorers has been built through contributions in all three international formats. His record demonstrates why he has remained an important part of the national side for more than a decade.
In Test cricket, Babar has scored 4,771 runs in 66 matches, with a highest score of 196. The format has tested his patience and ability to construct long innings, particularly against quality bowling attacks in challenging conditions.
His ODI numbers have been particularly impressive. Babar has accumulated 6,626 runs in 143 matches, averaging more than 53, according to the career figures provided for this milestone. He has also scored 20 ODI centuries, highlighting his ability to convert starts into substantial innings.
One-day cricket has often suited his methodical approach. He can rotate the strike, find gaps in the field and accelerate when the situation demands it. His ability to anchor an innings has been especially valuable when Pakistan have needed stability at the top of the order.
In T20 internationals, Babar has scored 4,596 runs in 145 matches at an average of 38.94, including three centuries and 39 half-centuries, based on the supplied career statistics. He is also Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the T20I format.
The contrast between the three formats illustrates his range as a batter. Test cricket rewards concentration and patience, ODIs demand a balance between control and acceleration, while T20Is require quick decisions and efficient scoring. Babar’s accumulated runs reflect his experience across these different challenges.
Babar Azam’s next target: Pakistan’s all-time run-scoring record
Although crossing 16,000 international runs is a major achievement, Babar still has several milestones within reach. His immediate challenge is to climb further up Pakistan’s all-time run-scoring rankings.
Miandad’s 16,213 runs are the next benchmark on the list. Beyond that, Babar will have to challenge Mohammad Yousuf’s 17,134 and Younis Khan’s 17,790 before he can realistically target Inzamam’s leading total of 20,541.
Reaching the top of the list will depend on how long Babar continues playing international cricket, his fitness and his ability to maintain consistent performances. His experience across formats gives him an opportunity to keep adding to his tally, but the competition at this level remains demanding.
Babar’s milestone also comes with an important distinction: accumulating runs across formats requires sustained performance over many years. A batter must remain competitive against different bowling attacks, adjust to changing conditions and handle the pressure of representing the national team.
For Pakistan, having an experienced batter approaching these historic totals is an opportunity to build around proven international experience while continuing to develop younger players.
Sachin Tendulkar remains at the top of world cricket
While Babar has entered an exclusive club in Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar continues to hold the world record for the most international runs.
The former India batter finished his international career with 34,357 runs between 1989 and 2013. His extraordinary longevity and consistency across Test and ODI cricket established a benchmark that remains difficult for any player to approach.
Virat Kohli is also among the leading run-scorers in international cricket, with his record reflecting his success across formats over an extended career.
Only a select group of players have managed to cross 20,000 international runs. Inzamam remains Pakistan’s representative among that elite group, making his position at the top of the country’s list particularly significant.
Babar’s achievement therefore connects two generations of Pakistan cricket. Miandad, Inzamam, Younis and Yousuf established the standards that helped define the country’s batting history. Babar is now adding his name to that legacy.
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