After becoming the highest T20I run-getter, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has equaled Virat Kohli’s record for the most 50-plus scores in T20 cricket when batting first.
The Sydney Sixers’ mega signing reached the landmark feat during his Big Bash League (BBL 15) outing against the Sydney Thunder at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The Pakistan batter scored 58 off 42 balls to help Sydney Sixers post 198 for 5, bringing his tally of first-innings 50+ scores in T20s to 63. Babar Azam reached the milestone in 163 first-innings knocks, compared to Virat Kohli’s 216.
Most 50+ Scores in T20s in 1st Innings
Player Country 50+ Scores Innings Babar Azam Pakistan 63 163 Virat Kohli India 63 216 David Warner Australia 58 199 Jos Butler England 58 217
At the SCG, Babar settled into an anchor role for the Sixers after Daniel Hughes’ dismissal early on. He rotated the strike in the powerplay, allowed Josh Philippe to attack, and then gradually increased his scoring rate as the innings progressed. The pair added a century stand that formed the spine of the Sixers’ total.
Babar’s 58 featured five fours and two sixes, with most of his boundaries coming through classical strokes on the off side and controlled hits down the ground.
He was eventually dismissed by Reece Topley in the 18th over, walking off with Sydney Sixers well placed at 198 for 5 and with a major T20 landmark to his name.
