December 26, 2024: Babar Azam’s journey to becoming the third cricketer to score over 4,000 runs in all three formats is indeed a significant milestone in international cricket. Despite his early dismissal for just 4 runs in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, his achievement reflects his consistency and excellence across all formats.
Babar’s ability to perform in diverse conditions and formats has been remarkable. With 4,001 Test runs, 5,957 ODI runs, and 4,223 T20I runs, his statistics paint a picture of a player who has not only been prolific but has maintained an impressive average in each format. His nine centuries in Tests, 19 in ODIs, and three in T20Is showcase his ability to convert starts into substantial contributions, a hallmark of a top-class batsman.
Though his dismissal on the opening day was a disappointing one, the historical achievement of surpassing 4,000 runs in all formats was still a significant moment for both him and Pakistan cricket. It shows the immense talent and hard work Babar has put in over the years to reach this landmark, joining the ranks of legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
The fall of wickets around him, including Saud Shakeel’s quick dismissal, put Pakistan in a difficult position early in the match. But the partnership between Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan was vital for stabilizing the innings. Ghulam’s aggressive approach and Rizwan’s calmness helped Pakistan avoid further collapse, highlighting the importance of adaptability in tough situations.
Babar’s return to the Test squad, despite the initial setback, will likely inspire confidence. It’s just a matter of time before his form catches up with his talent, and he is expected to play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s fightback in the series.
