Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has achieved another major milestone in international cricket, equalling former captain Misbah-ul-Haq’s record for the most 50-plus scores by a Pakistani captain across all three formats.
Babar reached the milestone after scoring a half-century in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi.
On the opening day, Babar scored 50 runs off 58 balls, including seven boundaries. With this innings, he brought his tally of 50-plus scores as Pakistan captain to 70, matching Misbah-ul-Haq’s record.
According to the statistics, Babar achieved the feat in 164 innings across 153 matches as captain, while Misbah reached the same milestone in 189 innings across 151 matches.
Babar therefore equalled the record in 25 fewer innings.
Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq ranks third on the list with 42 scores of 50 or more, followed by Imran Khan with 38 and Javed Miandad with 34.
Babar Azam’s Test Century Record
Babar has scored nine centuries in Test cricket, with his highest individual score being 196 against Australia in Karachi in March 2022.
During that memorable innings, he faced 425 deliveries and played a crucial role in helping Pakistan secure a draw.
He scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand in Dubai in 2018 and has also registered centuries against Sri Lanka, Australia, Bangladesh and England.
Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq finished his Test career with 10 centuries and 39 half-centuries. His highest Test score was 161 not out against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
Misbah played 75 Test matches, scoring 5,222 runs at an average of 46.62.
Babar Closing in on Another Misbah Record
Babar Azam also has an opportunity to break another major record held by Misbah-ul-Haq: the most international runs scored as Pakistan captain across all three formats.
Misbah accumulated 7,392 international runs while leading Pakistan, while Babar has already reached 7,079 runs.
Babar needs another 314 runs to surpass Misbah and claim the record.
His latest achievement against Sri Lanka has further strengthened his place among Pakistan’s leading captains in international cricket.