Former Pakistani captain Babar Azam became the fastest player to score 12,000 runs in T20 cricket, achieving the milestone in 338 innings, surpassing Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli.
West Indian legend Chris Gayle completed 12,000 T20 runs in 343 innings, while former Indian captain Virat Kohli reached the milestone in 360 innings.
The Lahore-born right-hander also became only the second Pakistani player to cross 12,000 T20 runs, after former captain Shoaib Malik, who scored 13,571 in 515 innings.
| Player | Innings to 12,000 T20 Runs |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 338 |
| Chris Gayle | 343 |
| Virat Kohli | 360 |
The right-hander reached the landmark during Peshawar Zalmi versus Karachi Kings, where he scored 60 runs from 36 balls with eight boundaries and one six.
Kusal Mendis provided explosive support, striking 76 runs off 37 balls, including nine fours and three sixes, maintaining a strike rate above 200 throughout.
Together, Azam and Mendis built a commanding 139-run partnership from 73 balls, stabilizing the innings after the early dismissal of Mohammad Haris for zero.
Karachi Kings opted to bowl first, but their attack struggled as Zalmi’s batters accelerated, scoring 64 runs in the final five overs without losing wickets.
Khushdil Shah claimed the only wicket, dismissing Haris, but conceded 37 runs in four overs, while Adam Zampa went wicketless, leaking 24 runs in 2.3 overs.
The pitch offered pace and bounce, yet Zalmi’s batters adapted quickly, punishing loose deliveries and consistently finding boundaries against both spin and pace options.
By the 12th over, Zalmi had reached 132 for one, with Azam and Mendis firmly set, ensuring momentum remained with the batting side throughout the innings.
