Babar Azam's Stellar Performance

Babar Azam has made history by becoming the first batter to score 9,000 international runs in the 2020 decade. His return to Pakistan’s Test side in the second Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet saw him score 68 off 84 balls with 10 boundaries, helping Pakistan recover from 79/4 to post 232. This performance not only highlighted his resilience but also marked a significant milestone in his career.

Key Milestones

During his innings, Azam surpassed several notable players, including Joe Root and Mohammad Rizwan, to lead the list of highest run-scorers in international cricket since January 2020. His total of 9,060 runs from 231 innings across 212 international matches this decade is a testament to his consistency and skill. Azam has also scored 17 centuries, placing him third among batters in this period after Joe Root and Shubman Gill.

Comparison with Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, who dominated international cricket in the previous decade, is currently sixth on the list with 6,771 runs from 182 innings since January 2020. Kohli, the former India captain, retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and Test cricket in 2025, marking the end of an era. In the previous decade, from 2010 to 2020, Kohli led the charts with 20,960 runs from 431 innings at an average of 57.58, including 69 centuries and 98 fifties.

Match Context

The second Test in Sylhet is a series-deciding match, and Bangladesh currently holds a 46-run lead. Pakistan was bowled out for 232 in 57.4 overs, with Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam picking up three wickets each. Bangladesh then reached 100 runs before stumps on Day 2, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 52. The match is expected to be a crucial test of Pakistan’s batting strength and Bangladesh’s bowling prowess.

Looking Ahead

As the series progresses, the focus will be on how Pakistan can close the gap and challenge Bangladesh’s lead. Azam’s performance will be critical, given his recent form and the milestone he has achieved. The cricketing world will be watching to see if Pakistan can stage a comeback and secure a win in this pivotal match.