Pakistan’s star batter and former captain Babar Azam has silenced critics with a record-breaking performance, becoming the first Asian cricketer to score 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). The milestone came during Pakistan’s ongoing Test match against South Africa at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, marking a major moment in his illustrious career.
Needing just two runs to reach the historic figure, Babar reached the landmark in characteristic style — driving a perfectly timed boundary off Senuran Muthusamy in the 49th over of Pakistan’s first innings. The shot not only took him past the 3,000-run mark but also reminded fans of the effortless class and composure that have defined his batting across formats.
Babar’s achievement places him in an elite group of WTC run-scorers, joining seven other players who have crossed the same milestone. The exclusive list includes Australia’s Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Usman Khawaja, as well as England’s Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Zak Crawley.
With this feat, Babar Azam becomes the eighth batter overall and the first Asian player to achieve the milestone, reaffirming his place among the top Test batters in the modern game. His consistency, especially in home conditions, continues to anchor Pakistan’s batting lineup despite a period of team rebuilding and leadership transitions.
In the race among Asian batters in the World Test Championship, India’s Shubman Gill follows closely with 2,826 runs in 39 matches, while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stands at 2,731 runs. Veteran Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from Test cricket, ranks next with 2,716 runs.
Babar’s latest record has reignited discussions about his legacy and resilience, especially after facing months of criticism following Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in international tournaments. His calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure have once again proven why he remains one of Pakistan’s most valuable assets in world cricket.
Cricket fans and analysts across the region praised the right-hander for his discipline and elegance, noting that his achievement comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking renewed stability in the longer format. With this milestone, Babar Azam not only strengthens his individual record but also restores confidence in Pakistan’s ability to produce world-class Test players.