Babar Azam 16,000 runs: that is the new milestone for Pakistan’s star batter, who crossed the mark during the ODI tri-series opener against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, becoming only the fifth Pakistani batter to reach it.
Babar Azam’s 16,000 runs put him on an elite national list headed by Inzamam-ul-Haq (20,541), followed by Younis Khan (17,790), Mohammad Yousuf (17,134) and Javed Miandad (16,213). Babar passed 16,007 runs and counting during his innings, with plenty of time to climb further up the order.
Babar Azam 16,000 runs: a career in numbers
The landmark reflects a remarkable all-format career. Babar has scored more than 6,500 ODI runs, 4,771 runs in 66 Tests and 4,596 runs in 145 T20Is, with 32 international centuries and 111 fifties.
He is now one ODI century away from passing Saeed Anwar’s 20 for the most ODI hundreds by a Pakistani. If he gets there soon, he would become the third-fastest to 21 ODI centuries in history, behind Hashim Amla (116 innings) and Virat Kohli (138).
The numbers put his consistency in perspective. Few batters in the modern game have stayed among the top ranks in all three formats for as long as Babar, whose technique and temperament have made him the anchor of Pakistan’s batting for the better part of a decade. Reaching 16,000 runs also leaves him within sight of Javed Miandad’s 16,213, a target he could realistically pass during this season.
At the time of filing, Pakistan were 62 for 2 in 12 overs, with Babar on 27 not out off 34 balls with four boundaries. Debutant Saad Baig was on 9, while Saim Ayub (7) and Fakhar Zaman (16) had both fallen to Dilshan Madushanka. Babar’s presence at the crease was doing exactly what Pakistan needed: steadying the innings after two early wickets and keeping the scoreboard moving.
A milestone on a landmark day
The achievement came in a match that already carried weight. Pakistan are using the tri-series, which also features England and runs until October 31 across Rawalpindi and Lahore, as a final tune-up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
The day was eventful for other reasons. Shadab Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem missed the opener with illness, and Sri Lanka had won the toss and chosen to bowl first.
For more on the series build-up, see Sri Lanka’s toss decision in the opener, our 1st ODI preview, Shaheen’s take on Pakistan’s tri-series plans and the PCB central contracts for 2026-27.
Frequently asked questions
How many international runs does Babar Azam have?
Babar Azam has crossed 16,000 international runs, becoming the fifth Pakistani batter to reach the milestone.
Who has the most international runs for Pakistan?
Inzamam-ul-Haq leads with 20,541 runs, followed by Younis Khan (17,790), Mohammad Yousuf (17,134), Javed Miandad (16,213) and Babar Azam.
How many ODI centuries does Babar Azam need to pass Saeed Anwar?
Babar needs one more ODI century to pass Saeed Anwar’s record of 20, the most by a Pakistani batter.
Which teams are playing the tri-series?
The tri-series features Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England, with matches in Rawalpindi and Lahore running until October 31.
