Babar Azam, one of Pakistan's cricketing heroes, achieved yet another remarkable milestone this past Boxing Day as he completed 4000 runs in Test cricket during the first Test match against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion. This significant accomplishment came on December 26, 2024, marking Babar not only as one of the best players of his generation but also placing him among the elite few to have excelled across all formats.
The celebrated batter entered the match needing just three runs to reach the coveted mark. True to his exceptional skills, Babar wasted no time—hitting the very first ball he faced from South African bowler Corbin Bosch for four runs. This delightful flick through mid-wicket not only brought up his individual milestone but also showcased the flair and poise he is known for.
By reaching this landmark, Babar Azam became the third cricketer ever to score at least 4000 runs across all three formats of the game. He joins Indian icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom have etched their names alongside his in this exclusive club. His impressive tally now stands at 4001 runs from just 101 innings, exhibiting his prowess with the bat at an impressive average of 43.48.
Despite his personal triumph, the day was riddled with challenges for the Pakistan team. Upon winning the toss, the South African captain opted to bowl first, and it soon became clear this was the right decision. The Proteas capitalized early, with Bosch making his Test debut and snaring the wicket of Shan Masood with his very first delivery, leaving the Pakistani side under immense pressure.
Pakistan's innings stumbled right from the get-go with key batters, including Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, falling victim to the aggressive South African pace attack. By the time Babar had to walk back after scoring just four runs off eleven balls, Pakistan found themselves precariously placed at 41/2. The loss of their star batter contributed to the team's woes; they finished the first day struggling at 88/4 with Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan trying to stabilize the innings.
This match was pivotal not only for Babar but also symbolized Pakistan’s battles on the international cricket stage. Cricket fans and analysts alike have noted Babar's recent form; after leading the team through several tumultuous tournaments, he had been seeking redemption since the team’s disappointing exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup. His struggles were prominent, as he had gone 19 consecutive innings without scoring fifty or more—his last such score dating back to December 2022.
Analysts have pointed out the significance of Babar's achievement. His consistency and dedication have been key factors driving Pakistan cricket over the past few years. Having made his ODI debut in 2015, and having been introduced to Test cricket just the following year, Babar quickly established himself as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting unit. His overall numbers are staggering: he has accumulated 4223 runs from 128 T20Is and 5957 runs from ODIs, indicating he is on the verge of becoming the highest run-scorer for Pakistan across all formats.
To add to the significance of this milestone, Babar now becomes part of history as the only player from Pakistan to record over 4000 runs across Tests, 5000 runs in ODIs, and 2000 runs in T20Is. Younis Khan, who has the record for the most Test runs for Pakistan with 10,099, now sees Babar inching closer, showcasing his potential as one of cricket's greats.
While the cricketing world celebrates Babar Azam's remarkable personal success, the larger narrative is one of resilience and the fight to restore Pakistan's reputation on the global stage. The first Test against South Africa not only serves as a platform for his remarkable feats but also poses as a challenge for the entire team, galvanizing them to perform against the odds.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on Babar Azam as the series progresses, not just to see how he builds on this landmark but also how he can guide his team back to winning ways. The road is tough, but if his career has taught anything, it is about not only achieving personal milestones but transcending them to lead by example for the next generation of Pakistani cricketers.
