Tag: Babar Azam

FAISALABAD: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving two major milestones during the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting on Tuesday at the Iqbal Stadium.

The former Pakistan captain has so far scored 19 centuries in ODI cricket, with the last one occurring in 2023 against Nepal.

He is only one century away from equalling the record for the most centuries in ODI cricket by a Pakistani batter, currently held by the legendary Saeed Anwar, who scored a total of 20 centuries.

Saeed scored 20 centuries during his illustrious career, which spanned 247 matches and 244 innings. Meanwhile, Babar has played 134 ODI matches so far.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, he has the opportunity to equal or even break Saeed’s record if he scores two centuries.

Most ODI Centuries for Pakistan

• Saeed Anwar – 20 centuries in 247 matches
• Babar Azam – 19* centuries in 134 matches
• Mohammad Yousuf – 15 centuries in 281 matches
• Fakhar Zaman – 11 centuries in 82 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 11 centuries in 218 matches

Moreover, Babar Azam has the opportunity to become the second-fastest batsman in ODI history to score 20 centuries.

The record for the fastest to reach this milestone is held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who accomplished it in 108 innings.

He is followed by Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who reached 20 centuries in 133 innings.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Currently, with 19 centuries in 131 innings, Babar stands a good chance of breaking Kohli’s record if he scores his 20th century in his next innings.

Fastest Players to 20 ODI Centuries

• Hashim Amla – 108 innings
• Virat Kohli – 133 innings
• AB de Villiers – 175 innings
• Rohit Sharma – 183 innings

Recently, Babar Azam made a return to Pakistan’s T20I team, showcasing his determination to regain his form.

In the third and final match of the series against South Africa, he scored a brilliant half-century to help his team clinch the series 2-1.

This knock marked his first half-century in T20Is since his 75 runs against Ireland back in May 2024.

READ: Shaheen Afridi comments on his appointment as ODI captain

Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam shared a heartfelt message after being named the Player of the Match in the third T20I against South Africa.

With Babar’s 68 from 47 balls, Pakistan chased down a 140-run target in the second last over and clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.

In his innings, he achieved his 40th T20I half-century, surpassing the previous record of 39 fifties set by former India captain Virat Kohli.

Among the other notable contributors in the four-wicket victory were Agha Salman, who made 33 runs off 26 balls, while Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan maintained their composure to guide the team to victory following a minor middle-order setback.

Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa managed only 139-9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza’s clinical bowling.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Babar expressed his thoughts via a social media post.

“Grateful to be back doing what I love. Thankful for those who believed when it was quiet,” he wrote on X.

Following the Test and ODI series, the action moves to Faisalabad for a three-match ODI series, scheduled from November 4 to November 8.

Earlier today, Pakistan and South Africa squads arrived in Faisalabad on Sunday for the ODI series.

The three-match series will mark Faisalabad’s first ODI in 17 years. The last ODI fixture played at this venue was between Pakistan and Bangladesh in April 2008.

After a rest day, the Proteas and Green Shirts will have practice sessions tomorrow.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

SCHEDULE

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

READ: Women’s World Cup final: Shafali, Deepti propel India to strong total

LAHORE: Babar Azam scored a brilliant half-century to steer Pakistan to a clinical four-wicket win over South Africa in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series 2–1.

After being blown away by 55 runs in the opening game, the hosts bounced back in style to claim back-to-back victories and end the series on a high.

Chasing a modest 140-run target, Pakistan overcame early hiccups before Babar’s composed 68 off 47 balls guided them home with six balls to spare. His innings, laced with nine boundaries.

Pakistan’s chase began shakily as Saim Ayub fell for a six-ball duck with just eight on the board.

Sahibzada Farhan’s 18-ball 19 offered some resistance before his dismissal left Pakistan at 44 for two.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

From there, Babar joined forces with skipper Salman Ali Agha to rebuild, adding a fluent 76-run stand for the third wicket that shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.

Both batters appeared set to finish the job, but South Africa hit back late, dismissing Agha (33 off 26) and Babar in quick succession.

The mini-collapse saw Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) depart cheaply, leaving the hosts momentarily unsettled at 133/6.

However, Faheem Ashraf (6*) and Usman Khan (4*) held their nerve to complete the formalities and secure the series for Pakistan.

Earlier, Shaheen Afridi set the tone with a fiery new-ball spell, removing two batters in consecutive deliveries in the opening over to leave South Africa reeling at 0 for 2.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Despite brief resistance from Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36) and Dewald Brevis (21 off 22), the visitors never truly recovered.

Debutant Usman Tariq struck crucial blows in the middle overs, while Faheem Ashraf’s double-wicket burst, dismissing Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) and George Linde on consecutive balls, dismantled the Proteas’ lower order.

Corbin Bosch’s fighting 30* provided some stability as South Africa limped to 139/9 in their 20 overs.

Shaheen finished with 3 for 26 and was well supported by Faheem (2–20) and Tariq (2–27), while Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with one wicket apiece.

READ: New Zealand outclass England to seal ODI series sweep

LAHORE: Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam shattered former India captain Rohit Sharma’s record to become the highest run scorer in T20I cricket.

The 31-year-old shattered the record during the second T20I against South Africa here at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Before coming into this fixture, the right-handed batter required nine runs to surpass Rohit Sharma and become the highest run-scorer in the shorter format.

Babar opened his account with a majestic cover drive in front of his home crowd that erupted in loud cheers as he arrived on the crease.

He achieved the feat on the first ball of the 11th over with a single off Donovan Ferreira’s bowling. With this single, he now sits in pole position ahead of Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have already retired from this format.

Most runs in men’s T20Is

Babar Azam 4234 in 130 matches
Rohit Sharma – 4231 in `159 matches
Virat Kohli – 4188 in 125 matches
Jos Buttler – 3869 in 144 matches

Opting to bat first, South Africa displayed a shambolic batting display and were folded for a mere 110 in 19.2 overs.

The architects of the rattling South Africa batting lineup were Pakistan pacers Faheem Ashraf and Salman Mirza.

Mirza’s opening burst of three wickets tore through the Proteas top-order while Faheem’s four-wicket haul ensured that the visitors didn’t post an imposing total.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

READ: Multan Sultans owner Ali Tareen proposes reforms to take PSL to next level

RAWALPINDI: Top-order batter Babar Azam has equalled former captain Shahid Afridi’s unwanted record for the most ducks in T20Is for Pakistan during the first T20I against South Africa.

On his return to the limited-overs side after a year here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Babar could not extend his stay at the crease and was caught without scoring.

After being dismissed for nought, the right-hander moved up the list of Pakistani batters with the most ducks in T20Is.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Currently, Umar Akmal is at the top of the list with batters who have recorded the most ducks, while Saim Ayub is in second spot.

Most Ducks for Pakistan in T20I Cricket:

Umar Akmal: 10
Saim Ayub: 9
Babar Azam: 8
Shahid Afridi: 8
Kamran Akmal: 7
Mohammad Hafeez: 7

For context, South Africa defeated Pakistan by 55 runs in the opening T20I of the three-match series.

Batting first, the visitors posted a strong total of 194-9 in 20 overs, led by Reeza Hendricks’ impressive 60 off 40 balls.

Quinton de Kock (23) and Tony de Zorzi (33) provided quick runs at the top, while Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers with three wickets, helping to slow South Africa’s scoring in the middle overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In reply, Pakistan’s chase never took off as they were bowled out for 139 in 18.1 overs.

Despite a decent 31-run start from Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, the home side collapsed after early breakthroughs from South Africa. Babar Azam fell for a duck on his return, and wickets tumbled regularly thereafter. Saim Ayub was the only notable contributor with 37 off 28 balls.

Corbin Bosch starred with the ball for South Africa, claiming four wickets, while George Linde added three to seal a comfortable win.

With this victory, South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. The next T20I fixture is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday, October 31.

READ: “We just need to bat properly,” says Salman Ali Agha after loss in T20I opener

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has revealed the batting position of Babar Azam in the forthcoming three-match T20I series against South Africa.

Babar has returned to the limited-overs side, having last played against South Africa in 2024.

Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Hesson reflected on the team’s combination and shared his thoughts on Babar Azam’s inclusion.

“I certainly endorse his selection, and he is likely to bat at the number three, and I am hoping that he will do well,” Hesson revealed.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The head coach also revealed the reasons behind the exclusion of Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman from the T20I squad.

“Fakhar has been rested so that he returns fresh for the ODIs.” “We gave Mohammad Haris several opportunities, but he couldn’t make the most of them. He is a young player and needs to improve his batting in domestic cricket,” Hesson remarked.

“Usman Khan plays spin well, which will be an advantage in Sri Lanka,” he added.

Hesson further praised South Africa as a formidable opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

Hesson further hailed South Africa as a challenging opponent and highlighted the squad’s preparedness for the upcoming challenges.

“South Africa are a dangerous side.” “The team that lost to Namibia was a different one.” “We already have 15 players in mind for the World Cup, with competition for one or two spots,” he concluded.

For the unversed, the T20I series will begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the remaining two matches held on October 31 and November 2 at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

South Africa Squad

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

Pakistan Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

READ: Women’s World Cup: New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine retires from ODIs

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players participating in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

According to a report, seven Pakistan cricketers are set to feature in the 15th edition of the tournament.

This comes after the PCB had suspended the NOCs for players to participate in the overseas T20 leagues on 30 September 2025.

“With the approval of Chairman PCB, all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players with respect to participation in leagues and other out-of-country tournaments are hereby put on hold until further orders,” the board had said.

However, the reason behind the decision was unknown, with reports stating that PCB wanted to link the NOCs to a performance-based system.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

For the unversed, the BBL starts on 14th December, with major Pakistani stars like Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Rizwan set to feature in the league.

Earlier today, Sydney Sixers rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

The upcoming edition of the tournament promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

Besides Babar, pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Sydney Sixers unveil ‘Babaristan’ fan zone to welcome Babar Azam

Sydney Sixers have rolled out a grand welcome for Pakistan’s batting superstar Babar Azam, announcing the launch of a special fan zone titled “Babaristan” ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season.

The franchise made the announcement across its social media platforms with the caption, “Introducing Babaristan — A Fan Zone Like No Other,” sparking excitement among cricket fans both in Australia and Pakistan.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sydney Sixers (@sixersbbl)

“We’re celebrating cricket culture like never before with Babaristan — a brand-new Sixers fan zone dedicated to welcoming one of the world’s greatest cricketers, Babar Azam,” the franchise said in its official statement.

The Sixers have encouraged fans to join the festivities when they face the Adelaide Strikers in their opening clash on December 17, a match that will also mark Babar’s much-awaited BBL debut.

The 15th edition of the Big Bash League promises to be a star-studded affair, featuring 44 matches between December 14, 2025, and January 25, 2026.

The tournament opener will see the Perth Scorchers take on the Sydney Sixers in a blockbuster encounter at Perth Stadium.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Babar’s inclusion has already created a wave of anticipation, with the Sixers’ fanbase preparing to turn sections of the stands into “Babaristan,” a symbolic nod to Pakistan’s deep-rooted cricket passion.

Several other Pakistani cricketers are also set to feature in the upcoming BBL season.

Pacer Shaheen Afridi was picked by Brisbane Heat as the first overseas and platinum pick, while Mohammad Rizwan joined the Melbourne Renegades.

Haris Rauf will continue with the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan will represent the Sydney Thunder, Hasan Ali has joined the Adelaide Strikers, and all-rounder Hassan Khan will return to the Renegades.

READ: Babar Azam returns as Pakistan reveal white-ball squads

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been named in the T20I side as the national selection committee announced a 15-member squad for the series against South Africa, as well as the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Moreover, a 16-member squad has been announced for the ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka.

The T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 28 October to 1 November, while the T20I tri-series will be staged at the same venues from 17 to 29 November.

In the T20I squad, Abdul Samad, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah make a comeback to the side after missing out on the previous events.

Usman Tariq is the only uncapped player in the T20I squad. He has featured in two Pakistan Super League (PSL) seasons for the Quetta Gladiators, where he picked up 12 wickets in 10 matches.

Pakistan and South Africa will also feature in a three-match ODI series to be held at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.

The ODI series will be followed by another three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 11 to 15 November.

In the ODI squad, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf and Haseebullah return to the side.

Pakistan T20I squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper), Usman Tariq

Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim

16-member ODI squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

Schedule:

South Africa tour to Pakistan

• 28 October – First T20I at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 31 October – Second T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 1 November – Third T20I at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• 6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• 8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Sri Lanka tour to Pakistan

• 11 November – First ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 13 November – Second ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 15 November – Third ODI at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

T20I Tri-Series (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe)

• 17 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 19 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
• 22 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 23 November – Pakistan v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 25 November – Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 27 November – Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• 29 November –Final, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

READ: Harmer’s heroics put South Africa on brink of victory in Rawalpindi Test

Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah are reportedly in line for a comeback as the national selectors prepare to finalise the squad for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.

A source within the selection committee confirmed on Friday that no player has been ruled out of contention, stressing that all selections will be based purely on team requirements as Pakistan enter the final stretch of their preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

If included, Babar’s return will mark his first T20I appearance since the 2024 tour of South Africa, while Naseem could also feature for the first time in the shortest format since facing Australia in November last year.

The selection committee, according to the source, is focused on assembling a balanced and competitive unit that reflects both recent form and long-term planning for the global event.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

The three-match T20I series will be played between October 28 and November 1, with the opening fixture in Rawalpindi, followed by two games at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The white-ball leg will continue with a three-match ODI series in Faisalabad from November 4 to 8.

READ: AB de Villiers, Matthew Hayden back cricket’s new format ‘Test Twenty’