The Pakistan Super League has witnessed a remarkable achievement as Babar Azam, the skilled batsman and former captain of Pakistan, reached an unprecedented milestone in the league’s history. Azam became the first player ever to score 3,000 runs in the PSL, a testament to his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
The 2024 PSL season commenced with Babar Azam setting the stage on fire, delivering a masterful half-century for the Peshawar Zalmi. Babar, renowned for his finesse and cricketing prowess, needed just 65 runs to eclipse the 3,000-run mark. His pursuit of this record came amidst an intense face-off against the Quetta Gladiators, where Zalmi was tasked with chasing down a daunting target of 207 runs.
While the Zalmi fell short in this thrilling encounter, Babar’s personal triumph was a silver lining. He crafted a well-played innings of 68 runs from 42 balls, showcasing his characteristic poise and exquisite shot selection. Saim Ayub, Zalmi’s opener, complemented Babar’s efforts by contributing a swift 42 runs. However, their combined efforts were insufficient against the fierce bowling of the Quetta Gladiators, resulting in a 16-run defeat for the Zalmi.
As well as being the leading run-getter in the PSL, Babar Azam is on the brink of adding another feather to his cap in the realm of T20 cricket. With an aggregate of 9,926 runs to his name, Babar is inching towards the iconic landmark of 10,000 T20 runs. Just 74 runs shy of this feat, he is poised to become the 13th player worldwide to reach this milestone, and the second from Pakistan after the experienced Shoaib Malik.
The leaderboard for the most runs in PSL history speaks volumes of Babar’s dominance. Having played 78 innings, Babar Azam sits comfortably at the top with 3,003 runs, followed by Fakhar Zaman with 2,381 runs from 77 innings, and Shoaib Malik at 2,135 runs from 78 innings, with Mohammad Rizwan trailing behind with 2,007 runs in 61 innings.
The match that witnessed Babar’s historic score began promisingly, with him and Ayub constructing a 91-run partnership. Nonetheless, subsequent batsmen like Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Rovman Powell were unable to anchor the innings further, which led to Zalmi’s demise in the faceoff as wickets fell at regular junctures.
While the loss marked a damp start to Zalmi’s campaign, PSL action continued as the Quetta Gladiators relished their triumphant start. In the ensuing matches of the tournament, Multan Sultans managed to outperform Karachi Kings in a separate game. Looking ahead, Gladiators were scheduled to clash with the reigning champions Lahore Qalandars on Monday, February 19, while Peshawar Zalmi geared up for a brief pause before taking on the Karachi Kings on Wednesday, February 21, in Lahore.
Babar Azam’s journey in cricket is an evolving chronicle of records and accolades. His latest achievement in the PSL is a testament to his status as an anchor of his team and a paragon for aspiring cricketers. With his sights set on the 10,000 T20 run milestone, the cricket fraternity eagerly awaits yet another display of Babar’s exemplary talent and his knack for shattering records. As the league progresses, all eyes will be on Babar—a blend of skill, determination, and exceptional cricketing intellect.
