Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam continues to redefine consistency in T20 cricket, as he has now equaled another major record held by Indian great Virat Kohli. The right-hander has matched Kohli’s tally for the most 50-plus scores in T20 matches when batting first.
The milestone came during Babar Azam’s impressive outing for Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL 15) against Sydney Thunder at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Record-Breaking Knock at the SCG
Batting with composure and control, Babar Azam scored 58 runs off 42 deliveries, guiding Sydney Sixers to a competitive 198 for 5. With this innings, his total of 50+ scores while batting first in T20 cricket reached 63, placing him level with Virat Kohli.
What makes the achievement even more remarkable is efficiency. Babar reached the landmark in just 163 first-innings T20 knocks, while Kohli required 216 innings to reach the same number.
Most 50+ Scores in T20s (Batting First)
| Player | Country | 50+ Scores | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 63 | 163 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 63 | 216 |
| David Warner | Australia | 58 | 199 |
| Jos Buttler | England | 58 | 217 |
Calm Anchor, Classy Execution
After an early setback with Daniel Hughes’ dismissal, Babar adopted a calm anchor role. He focused on strike rotation during the powerplay, allowing Josh Philippe to attack freely at the other end. As the innings progressed, Babar gradually lifted his scoring rate, perfectly balancing stability and momentum.
The duo stitched together a century partnership, which laid the foundation for the Sixers’ strong total.
Classical Babar Azam Innings
Babar’s half-century featured five fours and two sixes, showcasing his trademark elegance. Most of his boundaries came through textbook off-side strokes and controlled straight hits, highlighting his technical mastery and game awareness.
He was eventually dismissed in the 18th over by Reece Topley, but by then, the damage was done. Sydney Sixers were firmly in control, and Babar Azam had once again etched his name alongside cricket’s elite.
A Testament to Consistency
Already the highest T20I run-scorer, Babar Azam’s latest achievement further cements his status as one of the most reliable and consistent batters in modern T20 cricket. Matching a record held by Virat Kohli is not just a statistic—it reflects Babar’s sustained excellence at the highest level.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet Friendly)
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Record: Most 50+ scores in T20s while batting first
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Players: Babar Azam & Virat Kohli
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Total Scores: 63 each
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Babar’s Innings: 163
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Match: Sydney Sixers vs Sydney Thunder (BBL 15)
