Babar Azam becomes fifth Pakistan batter to reach 16,000 international runs

Babar Azam joins Pakistan’s 16,000-run club

Babar Azam became the fifth Pakistan batter to score 16,000 runs in international cricket, reaching the landmark during Sunday’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.

He started the match on 15,993 runs and needed seven to reach the figure. After Saim Ayub was dismissed by Dilshan Madushanka, Babar came to the crease and completed the milestone in the fourth over, taking a three off Asitha Fernando.

The match was Babar’s 355th in international cricket. He did not go on to make a half-century, however, falling for 45 to Pavan Rathnayake off Eshan Malinga.

Among Pakistan’s leading run-scorers

Before Babar, the Pakistan players to pass 16,000 international runs were Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Javed Miandad. Inzamam leads the country’s list with 20,541 runs in 495 matches. Younis has 17,790, while Yousuf made 17,134 in 374 matches. Miandad finished with 16,213 in 357 matches.

Globally, Sachin Tendulkar holds the international run-scoring record with 34,357. Virat Kohli is second with 28,527.