KARACHI: Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam has made history by becoming the joint-fastest player to score 6,000 runs in One Day International (ODI) cricket.

This remarkable achievement places Babar alongside the legendary South African cricketer Hashim Amla, who also reached 6,000 ODI runs in 123 innings, making them both the joint-fastest players to reach this milestone.

Babar achieved this feat during Pakistan’s final match against New Zealand in the ongoing PAK vs NZ tri-nation series in Karachi, an important moment for Pakistan cricket.  Babar Azam’s achievement is a testament to his consistency, technique, and ability to perform under pressure. The stylish right-handed batter, known for his elegant stroke play and composed approach to batting, has been one of Pakistan’s most reliable and prolific performers in recent years. Reaching 6,000 runs in 123 innings is a remarkable feat, highlighting Babar's consistency and his ability to churn out big scores across different conditions and against tough opposition.  While Babar’s stay at the crease during the PAK vs NZ tri-nation series final was brief, his milestone remains significant. He was dismissed for 29 runs off 34 balls in that match. However, despite his short stay, Babar's achievement garnered plenty of praise from fans and cricket experts alike, as he joined Amla in an elite group of cricketers. In the same series, Babar had been promoted up the order after opening batter Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Babar had also opened the innings for Pakistan in the tri-series opener on February 8, but his score was limited to just 10 runs off 23 balls.  With this milestone, Babar Azam also continues to assert his dominance in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings.   The Pakistani batter is ranked number one in the world with 786 rating points, maintaining a narrow lead over India’s Shubman Gill (781) and Rohit Sharma (773). Babar’s rating dip from a career-high 898 rating points in 2022 has not impacted his standing as the top ODI batter, reaffirming his status as one of the finest modern-day players.  Alongside his ODI success, Babar Azam's achievements have continued to shine in other formats. He was also included in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year for 2024, marking another significant recognition in his career.

Interestingly, Babar Azam was the only Pakistani cricketer in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year, which was dominated by Indian players, including four Indian cricketers, as India claimed the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title under Rohit Sharma's captaincy.