Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam once again made his mark in the Cricket History Books by surpassing India’s Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-getter in men’s T20 internationals (T20IS). The milestone guided Pakistan to a nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the second T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and Three match series 1-1.
Babar Azam tops Rohit Sharma’s T20I tally
Returning to T20Is, Babar stepped into action nearly a year later, entering the match needing just nine runs to surpass Rohit’s tally of 4,231 T20Is. The 30-year-old, in typical quiet fashion, whipped out one piece at a time to hit the mark.
Barbarian finished his career with 4,234 runs in 4,234 games for an impressive average of nearly 40. His record in the shortest format highlighted his consistency and class.
Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20IS after India’s T20IS in the 2024 T20 World Cup, recorded his runs in 151 innings for several years. He is now second on the all-time list followed by Virat Kohli (4,188 runs), Jos Buttler (3,869) and Paul Stirling (3,710).
Pakistan’s bowlers are dominant in South Africa
Before Babar’s moment of record, Pakistan’s bowlers prevailed with a clinical display in which they dismantled South Africa for just 110 in the 1910s. Faheem Ashraf starred with a brilliant 4 Wicket Haul, Salman Mirza with three wickets, exploiting the light conditions in seam-friendly conditions.
South Africa struggled to find any rhythm at regular intervals. Their top order came up against tight bowling lines and the middle order failed to build a partnership. It was a night to forget for the visitors who failed to show Pakistan’s energy and accuracy with the ball.
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While Babar was making headlines with his stage, Saim Ayub was Saim Ayub. The young opener, in poverty after a poor Asia Cup campaign in which he recorded four ducks, silenced his critics, scoring 38 off 38 balls.
Ayub’s shots were a mix of aggression and confidence, with six fours and five towering sixes. Along with Babar, he boasts of the pursuit of Pakistan, He takes the team to victory in just 13.1 overs.
Pakistan make it 1-1 in the T20I series with a convincing win over South Africa#Pakvsa 📝: https://t.co/tlmb6vppyk pic.twitter.com/inpsuaqca
– ICC (@icc) 31 October 2025
With the series already tied 1-1, it will be played at the same venue on November 1.
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