Introduction + Early Life
When Babar Azam walked onto the international T20 stage in 2016, few could have imagined that the young batsman from Lahore would soon become one of world cricket’s brightest stars. Born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Babar grew up with a deep passion for cricket, inspired by legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf. From playing in local streets to joining professional academies, his rise was fueled by dedication and relentless hard work.Babar Azam T20 journey began with his debut against England in 2016 a modest start that would soon evolve into a record-breaking career. It marked the beginning of a new era for Pakistan cricket, defined by Babar’s elegant stroke play, remarkable consistency, and unshakable determination to succeed on the global stage.
Debut: The Beginning of a New Era
The debut of Babar Azam T20 Journey was held on 07-September 2016 against England in Old Trafford, Manchester. The 21 years young man made 15 runs off 11 balls. It was the first time when the fans first saw a glimpse of future of Pakistan’s batting star. That opening match laid the groundwork for the remarkable Babar Azam T20 journey that would unfold over the following decade.
Rise Through Consistency and Class
Babar Azam’s T20 journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. Since his debut, he’s consistently showcased his classy batting style, built on precision and timing rather than just brute power. His rise to prominence was swift, and he etched his name in the record books by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 T20I runs – a testament to his consistency and skill. Babar’s ability to anchor an innings while still scoring at a rapid pace has made him Pakistan’s go-to batsman in the shortest format. His calm demeanor under pressure, combined with his impeccable technique, has helped Pakistan snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on numerous occasions. Over time, Babar has evolved from a talented youngster into one of the world’s top T20 batsmen, and his impact on the game is undeniable.
First Half Century: The Start of Something Special
In cricket it takes a time for a player to rise. Just 16 days later when Babar Azam T20 Journey was started, on 23 September 2016 Babar made his first half century with an unbeaten score of 55* runs of 37 balls in Dubai International Cricket Stadium against West Indies. On that day his innings didn’t give a victory to Pakistan but he also showed his fans that he has an ability to control the pressure of International matches.
First Century: A Milestone of Greatness
Babar Azam achieved another milestone. He scored his first T20 International Century on 14th April 2021 against South Africa in Centurion. He made 122 runs off just 59 balls which was one of the finest innings ever played any Pakistani bastsman. His century proved that Babar is not only an ordinary player but a match winner of his team. This moment became a highlight in the Babar Azam T20 Journey, symbolizing his rise from a promising player to a global star.
Captain: Leading Pakistan with Calm and Confidence
In October 2019, Babar Azam was appointed for the captain of Pakistan Cricket Team ahead of series with Australia. But later on he was appointed for all the three formats. Babar Azam T20 Journey lead 85 matches with a win of 48 matches and a loss of 29 matches. In his captaincy, Pakistan achieved historic wins like, the unforgettable victory against India without losing any wicket in ICC T20 World Cup 2021 at Dubai and also Pakistan chase down the 200 runs target without losing any wicket against England in National Stadium, Karachi. Babar won most matches in captaincy in history of T20. In Babar’s captaincy Pakistan won 22 T20 matches in year which is all time record.
Babar resigned from all the three formats on 15 November 2023 because of disappointing performance of the team in World Cup. But Babar was reappointed as a captain of PCT on 31 March 2024 but was removed after the T20 World Cup 2024.
His leadership style is built on patience, respect, and strategy. Babar Azam T20 Journey leads by example through performance, not pressure. His calm approach under high-pressure situations has earned him respect from cricket fans and legends around the world.
Total Matches Played and Career Achievements In T20 International
As of now, Babar Azam had played 131 T20 International matches.
He has recently broke the record of former Indian captain Rohit Sharma by making 4300 runs with the strike rate of 129.22. In his 131 matches Babar had made 37 half centuries and three centuries.
He is the first Pakistani batter to score the Fastest to 1000 runs in T20 International against New Zealand on 4 November 2018 in Dubai in 26 innings. Babar Azam achieved several ICC No.1 Rankings as a Pakistani batter. He has also scored multiple half centuries for his team.
After all these achievements Babar Azam T20 Journey is known as the best batsman in T20. From these achievements he will continue to inspire the young players around the world.
Babar Azam’s Performance in Domestic Cricket and the PSL
Before joining international cricket Babar Azam T20 Journey had already built reputation in Domestic Cricket and Pakistan Super League (PSL). To join in Pakistan Cricket to play international matches these two formats are important for every player.
In domestic cricket, Babar represented Islamabad Leopards, State Bank of Pakistan and Central Punjab, Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC), Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and Lahore Whites. He totally performed there as a top order batsman of his team. In National T20 Cup tournaments, he was often among the top run-scorers, displaying elegance and maturity rarely seen in young cricketers.
The first edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) was played in 2016 in which Babar had been represented as Islamabad United. He face both local and international players in PSL. From 2017 to 2022 he played for Karachi Kings and he played an important role in winning the title for Karachi Kings. However, Babar was appointed the captain of Karachi Kings in 2022 but his captaincy was not successful. He was released from the team ahead of the 2023 PSL season and now plays for the Peshawar Zalmi as a captain.
Babar Azam’s PSL Batting Stats
Babar Azam T20 Journey had played a total of 93 matches in PSL. In 92 innings he had scored 3352 runs with an average of 38.19. His strike rate in PSL is 126.8. So far his highest scored is 115 runs. From 2016 to 2025 he had scored 33 half centuries and 2 centuries. Babar Azam’s total boundaries in PSL is 451 which includes 393 fours and 58 sixes.
Top 10 Babar Azam T20 Journey Innings That Defined His Career
Babar Azam’s rise in international cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his elegance, consistency, and calm temperament under pressure, he has become one of the most admired T20 batsmen in the world. This explores the Top 10 Babar Azam T20 Journey innings that defined his career, showcasing the innings that highlight why his Babar Azam T20 journey is one of the most remarkable stories in modern cricket. Below the top 10 innings of Babar Azam in T20 are discussed:
1. Match-Winning 68* vs India – T20 World Cup 2021
It was one of the most enjoyable moments when Babar Azam was leading Pakistan and Pakistan had a win against India without losing any wicket in Dubai. With the help of Mohammad Rizwan Babar Azam made 68* off 52 balls runs to chase down 152 runs. This innings was not just a victory it was a defining chapter in the Babar Azam T20 Journey.
2. 68 vs South Africa-2025
A match-winning knock in the deciding T20I against South Africa in Lahore, where Babar led the chase and broke a T20I record previously held by Rohit Sharma.
3.79* vs New Zealand-2022
A mature, unbeaten innings in a low-scoring chase during the T20 Tri-Series. He guided Pakistan to a six-wicket victory against a strong Black Caps bowling attack in Christchurch.
4. PSL 2020 Final Performance
The final of PSL 2020 was played between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars. Babar played match winning innings 69 runs under pressure and help in winning Karachi Kings to their first maiden title.
5.75 vs Ireland-2024
An important fifty that stabilized Pakistan’s innings and helped them win the second T20I of the series. The knock came under pressure after an early wicket fell.
6. 110* vs England-2022
Babar Azam made 110 of 66 balls against England with an opening partnership with Rizwan to chase down 199 runs in Karachi.
8. 101* vs New Zealand (T20, 2023)
Babar Azam made an unbeaten 101* against New Zealand in Lahore. This innings highlighted that Babar had an capabilty to perform under pressure. This was a excellent moment of his carrier.
9.Half-Century vs West Indies – 2016
Just weeks after his debut, Babar announced himself with a superb unbeaten 55 against the West Indies. His fluent shots and ability to rotate strike showed maturity beyond his years. This innings played a crucial role in Pakistan’s victory and hinted that the Babar Azam T20 journey was destined for greatness
10. T20 Century vs South Africa – 2021
This was the first T20 century of Babar Azam in which he made 122 runs of just 59 deliveries in Centurion.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Motion
Babar Azam T20 Journey is a perfect blend of class, consistency, and leadership. From his debut against England to his record-breaking century in Centurion, every innings reflects the dedication that defines the Babar Azam T20 journey. His performances continue to inspire young cricketers across the globe, proving that with hard work, calmness, and confidence, legends aren’t born they’re made.
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