On Friday, December 13, 2024, Babar Azam made history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 11,000 runs in T20 cricket. The 30-year-old achieved this feat during Pakistan's second T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion, surpassing the legendary West Indies giant Chris Gayle. Babar reached the milestone in his 298th innings, outpacing Gayle, who took 314 innings to accomplish the same.

This incredible achievement further cements Babar's status as one of the finest batters in the history of the shortest format. He now holds records for being the fastest to 7,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 T20 runs, showcasing his remarkable consistency and dominance in T20 cricket. Other notable players behind Babar in this list include David Warner (330 innings) and Indian legend Virat Kohli (337 innings).

Despite a poor showing in the first T20I, where he was dismissed for a four-ball duck by South African teenager Kwena Maphaka, Babar bounced back in the second match. He played a crucial knock of 31 runs off 20 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by George Linde. His aggressive approach in Centurion helped Pakistan gain momentum, with Babar maintaining a strong strike rate throughout his innings.

Babar’s T20 achievements continue to place him among the elites of the game. He is now the second Pakistani and the 11th player overall to surpass 11,000 runs in T20 cricket. This milestone adds to his impressive list of achievements, furthering his reputation as one of the format’s most reliable and celebrated performers.

Fastest to 11000 runs in T20s

Babar Azam – 298 innings

Chris Gayle – 314 innings

David Warner – 330 innings

Virat Kohli – 337 innings