The Aryavarth Express:
Karachi [Pakistan], April 10: Babar Azam scripted history on Thursday by becoming the fastest player to reach 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving the milestone during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash in Karachi
Representing Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings, Babar reached the landmark in his 351st match and just 338 innings. In doing so, he broke the previous record held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who had taken 343 innings to achieve the feat. India’s star batter Virat Kohli is third on the list, having reached the milestone in 360 innings.
Babar needed only 13 runs to enter the 12,000-run club and brought up the achievement in the fourth over of Zalmi’s innings. With this, he became only the second Pakistani batter to cross the mark, with the overall national record still held by veteran Shoaib Malik.
Opening the innings, Babar delivered a commanding performance, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 51 balls, which included 10 fours and two sixes. He also stitched a crucial 191-run partnership for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis, powering Zalmi to a formidable total of 246/3 in 20 overs.
In response, Karachi Kings faltered in their chase of 247 and were bowled out for just 87. Iftikhar Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Sufiyan Muqeem starred with the ball, claiming three wickets each to seal a dominant victory for Peshawar Zalmi.
