Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who Has Better Numbers After 16,000 International Runs?

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam after 16,000 international runs. [Source - AFP]

Babar Azam added another feather to his illustrious career. The 32-year-old completed 16,000 runs in international cricket during the first match of the ODI Tri-Series against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi on Sunday, October 18.

Babar Azam was just 7 runs away from the 16,000-run milestone in international cricket coming into the ODI Tri-Series. He reached the landmark with a 45-run knock after walking in at No. 3, following Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first against Pakistan.

The right-hander has joined an elite list of cricketers to achieve this milestone. This article compares his numbers with modern-day great Virat Kohli to determine who had better stats after 16,000 international runs.

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam's Journey To 16,000 International Runs

Virat Kohli completed 16,000 international runs back in 2017 during a Test match against Sri Lanka in Delhi, scoring a magnificent 243 in the first innings. 

Kohli reached the milestone in 320 matches and 350 innings, averaging 54.74, with 52 centuries and 77 half-centuries.

On the other hand, Babar Azam reached the 16,000-run milestone in 355 matches and 399 innings, averaging 45.30. He had scored 32 centuries and 111 half-centuries by the time he reached the landmark.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who Took Fewer Innings To 16,000 International Runs?

As mentioned above, Virat Kohli completed 16,000 international runs in 350 innings, while Babar Azam took 399 innings to reach the milestone. Kohli reached the 16,000-run mark 49 innings quicker than Babar.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who Took Less Time Since Debut To 16,000 International Runs?

Virat Kohli made his international debut on August 18, 2008, and took 9 years and 107 days to complete 16,000 international runs on December 2, 2017. Meanwhile, Babar Azam, who made his debut on May 31, 2015, took 11 years and 141 days to reach the milestone.

Virat Kohli vs Babar Azam: Who Has Better Average After 16,000 International Runs?

When Virat Kohli completed 16,000 international runs, he averaged 54.74. On the other hand, Babar Azam averaged 45.30 at the same milestone, reached during the ODI Tri-Series 2026.

Virat vs Babar: Highest Score after 16,000 International Runs?

Virat Kohli’s highest individual score at the 16,000-run milestone was 243, scored against Sri Lanka in Delhi in the same innings in which he reached the landmark. 

Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s highest score is 196 against Australia in Karachi in 2022, helping Pakistan secure a draw while chasing 506 in the fourth innings.

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Virat Kohli’s highest individual score after 16,000 international runs was 243, higher than Babar Azam’s best of 196 at the same stage of their careers.

Virat vs Babar: Who Has More Centuries After 16,000 International Runs?

Virat Kohli had scored 52 centuries, while Babar Azam had 32 by the time they reached 16,000 international runs.

Virat vs Babar: Who Has More Fifties After 16,000 International Runs?

Babar Azam had 111 fifties, more than Virat Kohli, who had 77 at the time of reaching 16,000 international runs.

Virat vs Babar: Who Has More 6s/4s After 16000 International Runs?

Virat Kohli had 1,627 fours and 155 sixes to his name after reaching 16,000 international runs. Meanwhile, Babar Azam had struck 1,659 fours and 177 sixes at the same milestone.

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