On December 26, 2024, Babar Azam achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 4,000 Test runs during the opening Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion. This significant accomplishment adds to his growing list of international cricket records, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest batsmen in all formats.
The achievement is particularly notable as Pakistan, under new Test captain Shan Masood, faces a formidable South African pace attack in this crucial away series. Babar entered the match with 3,997 runs from 55 Tests and an impressive average of 54.46, having already scored nine centuries.
Babar reached the 4,000-run mark in style, driving a boundary off Corbin Bosch to bring up his milestone. He flicked a low full delivery past square leg in celebration, but his innings was short-lived as he was dismissed soon after, scoring just 4 runs off 11 balls.
Key stats from Babar’s Test career:
Nine Test centuries
25 half-centuries
Highest score of 196
Average of 54.46
Strike rate of 55.23
This milestone gains added significance as Babar returns to the Test squad after a brief absence due to a series of poor performances. His last Test century came in December 2022 against New Zealand.