Babar Azam Completes 16,000 Runs in International Cricket, Achieves Feat During PAK vs SL Match
Pakistan's captain Babar Azam made history on October 18, 2026, by surpassing the 16,000-run mark across all international formats. He achieved this milestone during the ODI Tri-Series opener against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, becoming the seventh active player globally to enter this exclusive club.
Pakistan's celebrated captain and top-order batter, Babar Azam, has added another feather to his illustrious cap, breaching the formidable 16,000-run barrier in international cricket. The 32-year-old right-hander reached the significant milestone during Pakistan's opening match of the ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today. Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, ODI Tri-Nation Series 2026 Match 1 on VETO App.
His latest achievement sees him become only the seventh active player globally to accumulate over 16,000 runs across Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats, further solidifying his status as one of the modern game's batting titans.
The Elite Club
Babar Azam's consistent performances since his international debut in 2015 have seen him rapidly ascend the ranks of cricketing greats. His entry into the 16,000-run club places him alongside an esteemed sextet of active legends:
- Virat Kohli (India): Over 28,000 runs
- Joe Root (England): Over 23,000 runs
- Rohit Sharma (India): Over 20,000 runs
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): Over 19,000 runs
- David Warner (Australia): Over 18,000 runs
- Steve Smith (Australia): Over 17,000 runs
Before this match, Azam stood at a remarkable 15,993 international runs, a tally comprising 4,771 runs in Tests, 6,626 in ODIs, and 4,596 in T20Is. The runs scored in today's fixture pushed him past the 16,000-mark, marking a momentous occasion for Pakistani cricket and his legions of fans worldwide.
Match Details
The historic moment unfolded during the inaugural match of the three-nation ODI series, which also features England. The encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka commenced at 2:00 PM PKT (Pakistan Standard Time) at the iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This series serves as a crucial preparatory ground for Pakistan ahead of next year's ICC World Cup.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Competition/Stage | ODI Tri-Series in Pakistan, 2026 โ Match 1 |
| Teams | Pakistan vs Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
| Date | October 18, 2026 |
| Start Time (PKT) | 2:00 PM |
| Start Time (UTC) | 9:00 AM |
A Journey of Consistency
Born on October 15, 1994, Babar Azam, at 32 years and 3 days old, has demonstrated exceptional consistency across all formats, earning him comparisons with contemporary batting greats. His elegant strokeplay and ability to perform under pressure have been hallmarks of his career. This milestone is a testament to his dedication, skill, and enduring impact on international cricket. Babar Azam Joins Desert Vipers at Base Price in ILT20 Season 5 Auction.
Babar's journey continues as he leads Pakistan in this crucial tri-series, with all eyes on his future contributions as he aims to break more records and guide his team to further glory on the international stage.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2026 04:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
