Babar Azam Records: 3 major milestones that Pakistan ace can break in T20 World Cup 2026

Babar Azam eyes massive feats in T20 World Cup 2026 [Source: AFP]

On Saturday, Pakistan will cross swords against the Netherlands in their first T20 World Cup match. Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Men in Green will kick off their T20 World Cup campaign at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Babar Azam will play a significant role for Pakistan as they look to break a 16-year title drought. 

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan are set to open the batting for Pakistan. Captain Salman Ali Agha has successfully replaced Babar Azam at number three. With Pakistan aiming to maximise the powerplay field restrictions, Babar will likely be demoted to number four in the T20 World Cup. 

Babar Azam eyeing T20 World Cup redemption

Babar was the captain when Pakistan scripted history and registered their first-ever World Cup win over India in the 2021 edition. However, things have changed drastically since then, with fans and experts questioning his place in the playing XI. 

Although the Lahore-born cricketer has scored 1020 T20I runs at a decent average of 34 since 2024, his strike rate of 128.30 suggests that he has failed to meet the demands of modern-day cricket in the shortest format. 

Additionally, considering Babar flopped miserably in the previous two T20 World Cup editions, the Pakistani ace would be desperate to bounce back and silence his critics this year. As he prepares for the marquee event, here are three major batting records that Babar can achieve in the T20 World Cup 2026. 

Most runs for Pakistan in T20 World Cup

Former cricketer Shoaib Malik has the most runs for Pakistan in T20 World Cups. The right-hander has amassed 646 runs at an average of 34 and a strike rate of 123.28 with the help of three half-centuries. Babar Azam currently sits third on the list, having scored 549 runs across 17 innings in the competition. 

So, if Babar Azam manages 98 runs in the T20 World Cup 2026, he will overtake Malik and claim the top spot on the list. 

Most fifties for Pakistan in T20 World Cup

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are among the top run-getters for Pakistan in T20 World Cups. While Babar has scored 549 runs, Rizwan is Pakistan's second most successful batter in the mega event with 566 runs at a healthy average of 40.42. 

Interestingly, both Babar and Rizwan have an equal number of fifties (5) in T20 World Cups. So, if Babar scores one more fifty, he will register the most half-centuries by a Pakistani batter in the showpiece event. 

Babar Azam could eclipse Yuvraj, Dravid, Jayasuriya on elite list

Pakistani mainstay Babar Azam has been a proven performer in ICC events, amassing 1563 runs in the Champions Trophy, 50-over World Cup and T20 World Cup combined. The stylish right-handed batter has the same number of fifty-plus scores as Rahul Dravid and Sanath Jayasuriya (14) in the marquee events. 

So, if Babar slams a fifty in the T20 World Cup 2026, he will go past the legendary Asian duo. Furthermore, if Babar manages two fifties, he will overtake Yuvraj Singh and Shane Watson, who have 15 fifty-plus scores in ICC white-ball events.