Not Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill! Babar Azam becomes 1st Asian in WTC history to….
Pakistan’s Babar Azam Creates History in Cricket World Test Championship
Babar Azam Breaks Records in Lahore Test Against South Africa
Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, etched his name in the history books on Sunday, October 12, as he became the first cricketer from Asia to score 3000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). This remarkable feat was achieved during the ongoing first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Playing at the No. 4 position, the former Pakistan captain reached the milestone by hitting a boundary off Senuran Muthusamy’s fourth ball of the 49th over. Babar Azam’s achievement has now placed him among an elite group of international players who have scored over 3000 runs in the WTC, including Australian stars like Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, and Usman Khawaja, as well as England’s batting maestros Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Zak Crawley.
Players with the Most Runs in the ICC World Test Championship
- 6080 runs: Joe Root (60 innings; England)
- 4278 runs: Steve Smith (55 innings; Australia)
- 4225 runs: Marnus Labuschagne (53 innings; Australia)
- 3616 runs: Ben Stokes (57 innings; England)
- 3300 runs: Travis Head (52 runs; Australia)
- 3288 runs: Usman Khawaja (43 runs; Australia)
- 3041 runs: Zak Crawley (52 innings; England)
- 3003* runs: Babar Azam (37* innings; Pakistan)
- 2868 runs: Ollie Pope (51 innings; England)
- 2826 runs: Shubman Gill (39* innings; India)
Asian Players with the Most Runs in the ICC World Test Championship
In the list of Asian batters with the most WTC runs, Babar Azam leads the table with 3003* runs, followed by India’s Shubman Gill with 2826 runs. Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma are next with 2731 and 2716 runs, respectively. Among Pakistani players, only wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan has crossed the 2000-run mark in the WTC.
Shan Masood Shines as Pakistan Dominates South Africa in Lahore Test
During the ongoing Test match against South Africa, Babar Azam scored 23 runs off 48 balls, while Shan Masood played a brilliant knock of 76 runs. Masood also shared a massive 161-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq for the second wicket. Currently, Mohammad Rizwan is batting on 50, supported by Salman Ali Agha with 37*, as Pakistan has crossed 280 runs with five wickets in hand.
Speaking at the toss, Shan Masood mentioned, “We have two seamers in case there is reverse swing. South Africa are the defending WTC champions. Good chance for us to measure ourselves against the best.”
With Babar Azam’s historic milestone and Pakistan’s strong performance in the ongoing Test against South Africa, cricket fans are eagerly watching the action unfold at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Babar Azam’s Consistency and Technical Prowess
One of the key reasons behind Babar Azam’s success in the ICC World Test Championship is his exceptional consistency and technical prowess as a batsman. Known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique, Babar has been a pillar of strength for the Pakistan cricket team across all formats. His ability to adapt to different conditions and oppositions has made him a formidable force in modern-day cricket.
Scoring over 3000 runs in the WTC is no small achievement, especially considering the level of competition and the challenges posed by top-ranked teams. Babar’s dedication to his craft, combined with his natural talent, has helped him establish himself as one of the premier batsmen in international cricket.
The Rise of Shubman Gill and Other Asian Talents
While Babar Azam leads the list of Asian players in the ICC World Test Championship, the emergence of young talents like India’s Shubman Gill has also been noteworthy. Gill’s impressive performances with the bat have earned him a solid reputation as a future star in the Indian cricket team. His ability to handle pressure situations and play with maturity beyond his years has caught the attention of fans and experts alike.
Rishabh Pant and Rohit Sharma, two other Indian stalwarts, have also contributed significantly to India’s success in the WTC. Pant’s aggressive batting style and ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs have made him a valuable asset for the team. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma’s experience and leadership have played a vital role in guiding India through tough situations in Test cricket.
Pakistan’s Bowling Depth and Fielding Prowess
While Babar Azam’s batting prowess has been a highlight in the ongoing Test against South Africa, Pakistan’s bowling depth and fielding prowess have also played a crucial role in their dominance. With a potent pace attack led by the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, Pakistan has the ability to dismantle opposition batting line-ups on any given day.
Furthermore, Pakistan’s fielding standards have significantly improved in recent years, with players displaying agility and sharp reflexes on the field. The emphasis on fitness and athleticism has helped Pakistan become a more competitive unit in all aspects of the game.
Looking Ahead: Pakistan’s Prospects in the ICC World Test Championship
As Pakistan continues its quest for success in the ICC World Test Championship, the team’s focus on consistency and performance will be crucial in determining their standing in the tournament. With players like Babar Azam leading the charge with their batting exploits and a talented group of bowlers and fielders supporting them, Pakistan has the potential to make a significant impact in the WTC.
With each match presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth, Pakistan’s journey in the ICC World Test Championship promises to be an exciting one for fans and followers of the sport. As Babar Azam and his teammates strive for excellence on the field, the cricketing world eagerly awaits their next chapter in this prestigious tournament.


