RAWALPINDI, Pakistan | October 18, 2026
Pakistan batter Babar Azam has reached a major milestone in international cricket, becoming the fifth Pakistani player to score 16,000 runs across Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. He achieved the feat during Pakistan’s ODI tri-series opener against Sri Lanka on Sunday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Babar needed just seven runs to reach the landmark when he came to the crease. He crossed the 16,000-run mark during his innings, adding another significant achievement to a career built on consistency across formats.
The milestone places him alongside some of Pakistan cricket’s most celebrated batters, including Javed Miandad, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.
Babar Reaches 16,000 Runs in 399 Innings
Babar completed 16,000 international runs in 399 innings, according to the figures reported for the milestone. That makes him the third-fastest Pakistani batter to reach the mark in terms of innings.
Mohammad Yousuf reached 16,000 international runs in 388 innings, while Javed Miandad achieved the milestone in 398 innings.
Babar therefore reached the landmark one innings later than Miandad and 11 innings later than Yousuf. The figures underline the consistency he has maintained across international cricket, particularly in the limited-overs formats.
Reaching 16,000 runs is a significant career marker because it reflects sustained performance across different opponents, conditions and formats. For Babar, it also places his name among the leading run-scorers in Pakistan’s cricket history.
Pakistan’s Five Batters in the 16,000-Run Club
Before Babar, four Pakistani batters had crossed the 16,000-run mark in international cricket.
- Javed Miandad: One of Pakistan’s most celebrated batters, known for his competitive temperament and match-winning performances.
- Mohammad Yousuf: A prolific run-scorer whose international career featured major contributions across formats.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq: A former Pakistan captain renowned for his batting strength and ability to perform under pressure.
- Younis Khan: Pakistan’s former Test captain and one of the country’s most successful international batters.
Babar’s entry into this group adds another chapter to his standing in Pakistan cricket. The achievement also highlights the longevity required to accumulate such a large number of runs at the international level.
Babar Scores 45 Against Sri Lanka
Babar’s landmark came during Pakistan’s opening match against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series.
Pakistan lost opener Saim Ayub in the third over, bringing Babar to the crease at No. 3. He opened his account with a drive off Asitha Fernando and followed it with another well-placed shot through the off side.
During the innings, Babar crossed the 16,000-run mark. He eventually scored 45 runs from 57 balls, including six boundaries, before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga.
Although he did not convert his start into a half-century, the innings ensured that the match would be remembered as another milestone in his international career.
Pakistan Hosts ODI Tri-Series With Sri Lanka and England
Pakistan is hosting the ODI tri-series featuring the home side, Sri Lanka and England. The competition is scheduled to use a double round-robin format, with the final set for October 31 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
The top two teams in the standings will contest the final for the title.
For Pakistan, the series offers an opportunity to test its batting and bowling combinations against international opposition. Babar’s form and role in the batting order will remain important as the team looks to build momentum during the competition.
What the Milestone Means for Babar Azam
The 16,000-run landmark is a measure of sustained output rather than a single standout performance. Reaching it in 399 innings also places Babar among Pakistan’s fastest achievers at this level.
His next challenge will be to turn individual milestones into substantial contributions to Pakistan’s results. With the ODI tri-series continuing through October, the batter will have further opportunities to strengthen his record and help the hosts compete for the title.
The bottom line: Babar Azam has joined Pakistan’s elite group of international run-scorers, becoming the country’s fifth batter to reach 16,000 runs across formats. His 45 against Sri Lanka delivered the milestone, placing him alongside legends including Javed Miandad, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.
