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'{{short description|Pakistani cricketer}} {{pp-protected|reason=Persistent [[WP:Disruptive editing|disruptive editing]]; requested at [[WP:RfPP]]|small=yes}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}} {{Infobox cricketer | name = Babar Azam | image = Babar Azam in 2020.png | caption = Babar Azam in 2020 | fullname = Mohammad Babar Azam | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|10|15|df=y}} | birth_place = [[Lahore]], [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], Pakistan | height = 5 ft 11 in<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/babar-azam |title=Profile|website=[[Sportskeeda]]|access-date=30 January 2021}}</ref> | batting = Right-handed | bowling = Right-arm [[off break]] | role = [[Batting order (cricket)#Top order|Top-order batsman]] | family = {{ubl|[[Kamran Akmal]] (cousin)|[[Umar Akmal]] (cousin)|[[Adnan Akmal]] (cousin)}} | international = true | internationalspan = 2015–present | country = Pakistan | testdebutdate = 13 October | testdebutyear = 2016 | testdebutagainst = West Indies | testcap = 222 | lasttestdate = 24 July | lasttestyear = 2022 | lasttestagainst = Sri Lanka | odidebutdate = 31 May | odidebutyear = 2015 | odidebutagainst = Zimbabwe | odicap = 203 | odishirt = 56 | lastodidate = 12 June | lastodiyear = 2022 | lastodiagainst = West Indies | T20Idebutdate = 7 September | T20Idebutyear = 2016 | T20Idebutagainst = England | T20Icap = 70 | lastT20Idate = 5 April | lastT20Iyear = 2022 | lastT20Iagainst = Australia | T20Ishirt = 56 | club1 = [[Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd Cricket Team|Zarai Taraqiati Bank]] | year1 = {{nowrap|2010/11–2013/14}} | club2 = [[Islamabad Leopards]] | year2 = {{nowrap|2012/13–2014/15}} | clubnumber2 = | club3 = [[State Bank of Pakistan cricket team|State Bank of Pakistan]] | year3 = 2014/15 | clubnumber3 = | club4 = [[Sui Southern Gas Corporation cricket team|Sui Southern Gas Corporation]] | year4 = 2015/16–2017/18 | clubnumber4 = | club5 = [[Islamabad United]] | year5 = 2016 | clubnumber5 = 31 | club6 = [[Karachi Kings]] | year6 = 2017–present | clubnumber6 = 56 | club7 = [[Guyana Amazon Warriors]] | year7 = 2017 | clubnumber7 = 56 | club8 = [[Sylhet Sixers]] | year8 = 2017 | clubnumber8 = 56 | club9 = [[Somerset County Cricket Club|Somerset]] | year9 = 2019–2020 | clubnumber9 = 56 | club10 = [[Central Punjab cricket team|Central Punjab]] | year10 = 2019/20–present | clubnumber10 = 56 | columns = 4 | column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]] | matches1 = 41 | runs1 = 3122 | bat avg1 = 47.30 | 100s/50s1 = 7/23 | top score1 = 196 | deliveries1 = 60 | wickets1 = 2 | bowl avg1 = 12.50 | fivefor1 = 0 | tenfor1 = 0 | best bowling1 = 1/1 | catches/stumpings1 = 28/– | column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]] | matches2 = 87 | runs2 = 4,442 | bat avg2 = 60.01 | 100s/50s2 = 17/19 | top score2 = 158 | deliveries2 = – | wickets2 = – | bowl avg2 = – | fivefor2 = – | tenfor2 = – | best bowling2 = – | catches/stumpings2 = 40/– | column3 = [[Twenty20 International|T20I]] | matches3 = 74 | runs3 = 2,686 | bat avg3 = 45.53 | 100s/50s3 = 1/26 | top score3 = 122 | deliveries3 = – | wickets3 = – | bowl avg3 = – | fivefor3 = – | tenfor3 = – | best bowling3 = – | catches/stumpings3 = 34/– | column4 = [[First-class cricket|FC]] | matches4 = 76 | runs4 = 4,863 | bat avg4 = 43.81 | 100s/50s4 = 9/33 | top score4 = 266 | deliveries4 = 774 | wickets4 = 7 | bowl avg4 = 62.71 | fivefor4 = 0 | tenfor4 = 0 | best bowling4 = 1/1 | catches/stumpings4 = 48/– | source = http://espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/348144.html Cricinfo | date = 24 July 2022 }} '''Babar Azam''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], {{lang-ur|{{Nastaliq|محمد بابر اعظم}}}}; born 15 October 1994), is a Pakistani international cricketer and captain of the [[Pakistan national cricket team]] in all formats.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30291161/babar-azam-replaces-azhar-ali-pakistan-test-captain |title=Babar Azam replaces Azhar Ali as Pakistan Test captain |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/611957/babar-azam-confirmed-as-pakistan-odi-t20i-captain/ |title=Babar Azam confirmed as Pakistan ODI, T20I captain|work=Daily Times|date=13 May 2020|access-date=14 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="babarcaptainodi">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29168783/babar-azam-named-pakistan-captain-odis |title=Babar Azam named Pakistan captain for ODIs |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref> Regarded as one of the finest batsmen in contemporary world cricket,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=CricAddictor |date=2022-05-09 |title=Babar Azam Is The Best Batter In The World At The Moment: Daniel Vettori |url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket/babar-azam-is-the-best-batter-in-the-world-at-the-moment-daniel-vettori/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=CricAddictor |date=2022-04-14 |title=He’s Pretty Darn Good- Dale Steyn Calls Babar Azam The Best Batter Across Formats Currently |url=https://cricketaddictor.com/cricket-news/hes-pretty-darn-good-dale-steyn-calls-babar-azam-the-best-batter-across-formats-currently/ |access-date=2022-07-29 |language=en-US}}</ref> he is the only batsman in the world to be in the top 3 rankings across all formats and is ranked as the number 1 batter in T20Is and ODIs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Babar rises to No. 3 on Test batters' table, in sight of top spot in all three formats |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/icc-test-rankings-babar-azam-rises-to-no-3-on-test-batters-table-in-sight-of-top-spot-in-all-three-formats-now-1326360 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> A right handed top-order batsman, he captains [[Central Punjab cricket team|Central Punjab]] in domestic cricket and [[Karachi Kings]] in the [[Pakistan Super League|PSL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=National T20: Babar Azam guides Central Punjab to convincing victory |url=https://www.geosuper.tv/amp/10121-national-t20-babar-azam-guides-central-punjab-to-convincing-victory |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=www.geosuper.tv}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dawn.com |date=2021-11-30 |title=Babar Azam appointed Karachi Kings captain, replaces Imad Wasim |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1661163 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=DAWN.COM |language=en}}</ref>With 26 out of 41 wins, he is already Pakistan's second most successful T20I captain.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pakistan Cricket Team Records & Stats {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/individual/list_captains.html?class=3&id=7&type=team |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref> == Early life == {{more sources needed|section|date=April 2021}} Babar Azam was born on 15 October 1994 into a [[Punjabi Muslims|Punjabi Muslim]] family. He was born in the [[Walled City of Lahore|Walled City]] and recalls the memories of "playing cricket and roaming around like a free-bird in those streets." His cousins [[Kamran Akmal|Kamran]] and [[Umar Akmal]], who are older than him, were the reason he was attracted to cricket and their stories and success instilled inspiration into him. Therefore, he decided to take cricket as his profession. He had been a ball boy at [[Gaddafi Stadium]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pz9okmQIYvA |title=Cricbuzz In Conversation with Babar Azam: Part 1|date=10 June 2020 |via=[[YouTube]] |access-date=5 August 2020|last=[[Cricbuzz]]}}</ref> prior to joining a cricket academy and starting his domestic cricket career there and was present during the home series Pakistan played between 2006 and 2008. He sought guidance from Rana Sadiq, his first coach, who taught him in real terms, what batting is. Later he went on to be a part of Pakistan U-19 setup. == International career == === Early career === In May 2015, Babar was included in the [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistani ODI squad]] for home series [[Zimbabwean cricket team in Pakistan in 2015|against Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-zimbabwe-2015/content/story/880793.html |title=Malik, Sami return to Pakistan ODI squad |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |date=25 May 2015 |access-date=25 May 2015 }}</ref> He made his ODI debut in the third ODI on 31 May and scored an impressive fifty scoring 54 runs off 60 balls.<ref name="ODI">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/868731.html |title=Zimbabwe tour of Pakistan, 3rd ODI: Pakistan v Zimbabwe at Lahore, May 31, 2015 |access-date=31 May 2015 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> His impressive debut earned him a place in both Test and ODI squads selected for an away series against [[Pakistani cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2015|Sri Lanka]]. He was not selected to play in the Test series. During the ODI series, he only scored 37 runs in the two matches that he played.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/348144.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|title=Statistics / Statsguru / Babar Azam / One-Day Internationals|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date= 19 July 2015}}</ref> Babar was included in the squad for the away ODI series [[Pakistani cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2015|against Zimbabwe]] in September 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/story/921037.html|title=Pakistan ODI squad against Zimbabwe for three match ODI series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=27 September 2015}}</ref> He was retained in the ODI squad for the home series [[English cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2015–16|against England]]. In the first ODI of the four match series he scored 62 not out with a strike rate of 100 which helped Pakistan win the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/11286/scorecard/902641/England-vs-Pakistan-1st-ODI/|title=England vs Pakistan 1st ODI-ODI Series 2015–16|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 November 2015}}</ref> He had scores of 4, 22 and 51 in next three matches respectively.<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist">{{cite web|title=Statistics / Statsguru / Babar Azam / One-Day Internationals / Innings List|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/348144.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date= 21 November 2015}}</ref> He finished the series with 139 runs at an average of 46.33.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10305;type=series|title=Pakistan Vs England ODI Leading runs scorer|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=29 November 2015}}</ref> In January 2016, Pakistan [[Pakistani cricket team in New Zealand in 2015–16|toured New Zealand]]. In the first ODI match, Babar scored 62 runs off 76 balls. Pakistan lost the match by 70 runs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/11180/scorecard/914227/New-Zealand-vs-Pakistan-1st-ODI/|title=Pakistan VS New Zealand 1st ODI-Odi Series 2016|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 February 2016}}</ref> He was the leading run scorer in the ODI series with 145 runs in 2 innings at an average of 72.50.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10449;type=series|title=New Zealand Vs Pakistan ODI series leading runs scorer|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 February 2016}}</ref> In the five-match ODI series [[Pakistani cricket team in England and Ireland in 2016|against England]] in July, he batted in five games and only scored 122 runs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Most runs / ODI series / Eng vs Pak /Statistics|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=10419;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=29 September 2016}}</ref> He made his [[Twenty20 International]] debut for Pakistan against [[England national cricket team|England]] on 7 September. He scored an unbeaten 15 runs off 11 balls. Pakistan won the match and series.<ref name="T20I">{{cite news |title=Pakistan tour of England and Ireland, Only T20I: England v Pakistan at Manchester, Sep 7, 2016 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/913663.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media |date=7 September 2016 |access-date=7 September 2016 }}</ref> Besides the England series, Pakistan played two match ODI series [[Pakistani cricket team in England and Ireland in 2016|against Ireland]]. In the first ODI of the series, Pakistan beat Ireland by 255 runs and created record of their biggest win in terms of runs in an ODI.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pakistan's biggest win and Wasim betters Wasim |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ireland/content/story/1047671.html |work=ESPNcricinfo |publisher=ESPN Sports Media |date=19 August 2016 |access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/engine/records/team/largest_margins.html?class=2;id=7;type=team|title=Pakistan's victories|access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref> Babar contributed in his side's victory by scoring 29 runs.<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> With the second and final ODI abandoned due to rain, Pakistan won the series 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8499/scorecard/913651/ireland-vs-pakistan-2nd-odi-pak-tour-of-eng-2016 |title= Pak vs Ire, 2nd ODI, 2016 series |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> === Rise in shorter formats and breaking records === Babar Azam was selected in the home series [[West Indian cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2016–17|against the West Indies]] in 2016. In the first match of the ODI series he scored his maiden international century, scoring 120 off 131 balls and winning his first man of the match award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azam's maiden ton helps Pak take 1–0 lead in 3–match ODI series|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-west-indies-2016-17/content/story/1059794.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=30 September 2016}}</ref> In the second ODI, he scored another century, this time scoring 123 off 126 balls, and helping Pakistan to put up a total of more than 330.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/10787/report/1050225/pakistan-vs-west-indies-2nd-odi-west-indies-tour-of-uae-2016-17 |title=Azam, Malik inspires Pakistan's series win |access-date=2 October 2016|work=ESPN }}</ref> In the third and final ODI of the series Azam ended up scoring a third consecutive century (117 from 106).<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> He also broke the record for scoring the most runs (360) in a three match ODI series.<ref name="howstat">{{cite web|url=http://www.howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Batting/BattingHighSeries_ODI.asp|title=Most runs in a 3–match ODI series|publisher=howstat.com.|access-date=7 October 2016}}</ref> He became the only batsman to score 350+ runs in a three match ODI series.<ref name="Azam">{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282969.html |title= Hundreds in consecutive innings |access-date=5 October 2016 | work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He made his [[Test cricket|Test]] debut for Pakistan [[West Indian cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2016–17|against the West Indies]] in [[Dubai]] on 13 October 2016 and scored 69 [[run (cricket)|run]]s in his first innings.<ref name="Test">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/1050229.html |title=West Indies tour of United Arab Emirates, 1st Test: Pakistan v West Indies at Dubai (DSC), Oct 13–17, 2016 |access-date=13 October 2015 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He was the first player to score a fifty on his Test debut through a day/night Test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailytimes.com.pk/sports/13-Oct-16/azam-nawaz-debut-as-pakistan-win-toss/|title=Azam, Nawaz debut as Pakistan win toss|date=13 October 2016|publisher=Daily Times|access-date=14 November 2016}}</ref> On 19 January 2017, in the [[Pakistani cricket team in Australia in 2016–17#3rd ODI|third ODI against Australia]], Azam became then joint-fastest player to score 1,000 runs in ODIs and then fastest for Pakistan in his 21st innings before his national record and world record was eclipsed by his compatriot [[Fakhar Zaman (cricketer)|Fakhar Zaman]].<ref name="babar1000">[http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283174.html Records &#124; One-Day Internationals &#124; Batting records &#124; Fastest to 1000 runs &#124; ESPN Cricinfo], Stats.espncricinfo.com, 1 February 2017. Retrieved 2017-2-01.</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Gaurav|last=Sundararaman|title=The fastest to 1000 and 3000 ODI runs|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia-v-pakistan-2016-17/content/story/1078435.html|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=19 January 2017|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> He scored a century in the fifth ODI, which was only the second century ever scored by a Pakistani batsman in Australia after [[Zaheer Abbas]] in 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1309666/pcb-needs-groom-babar-azam-save-fading-away/|title=PCB needs to groomt Babar Azam to save him from fading away|work=Tribune|date=28 January 2017 |access-date=29 January 2017}}</ref> He also entered the top 10 batsmen's ranking in ODIs for the first time ever.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1308614/icc-rankings-babar-azam-breaks-odi-top-10/|title=Babar Azam breaks into ODIs top 10|work=Tribune|date=27 January 2017|access-date=29 January 2017}}</ref> [[Sarfaraz Ahmed]] replaced [[Azhar Ali]] as Pakistan's ODI team captain [[Pakistani cricket team in the West Indies in 2016–17|against the West Indies]] after Azhar Ali stepped down from the captaincy after a humiliating defeat [[Pakistani cricket team in Australia in 2016–17|against Australia in ODI series]]. He scored an unbeaten 125 in the 2nd ODI of the three–match ODI series at [[Providence Stadium]], [[Guyana]].<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> Azam along with [[Imad Wasim]] put on an unbeaten 99 runs partnership which helped Pakistan to a total of 282.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/10927/scorecard/1077950/West-Indies-vs-Pakistan-2nd-ODI-wi-v-pak-2017/|title=Pak V WI in WI 2016–17 / 2nd ODI|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=10 April 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, Azam also broke the record of scoring the most runs after the first 25 ODI innings in this match.<ref name=ci10apr17a>[https://www.geo.tv/latest/137473-Babar-Azam-becomes-top-run-scorer-in-first-25-ODI-innings Most runs after first 25 ODI Innings], Geo News, 10 April 2017. Retrieved 2017-4-11.</ref> In the [[2017 ICC Champions Trophy|Champions Trophy 2017]], Azam scored 46 off 52 balls in the final match against [[India national cricket team|India]].<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> After a successful Champions trophy tour, ICC sent the World XI team in Pakistan where they played [[2017 Independence Cup (cricket)|three T20I]] matches. Azam was the top runs-getter in the series, scoring 179.<ref name="AzamT20Isinnings" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/independence-cup-2017/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=11996;type=tournament |title= Statistics / Pak vs World XI (Independence Cup 2017–18) / Twenty20 Internationals / Most runs in the series |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=16 September 2017}}</ref> In the first T20I played at [[Gaddafi Stadium]], [[Lahore]], he scored 86 playing only 52 balls,<ref name="AzamT20Isinnings">{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/348144.html?class=3;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|title=Statistics / Statsguru / Babar Azam / T20I Internationals / Innings List|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> and won his first Man of the match award in T20Is, helping Pakistan win the match by 20 runs. <ref name="babar86">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18002/game/1117821/Pakistan-vs-World-XI-1st-Match-independence-cup-2017-18-2017-18 |title= 1st Match (D/N), Independence Cup at Lahore, Sep 12 2017|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref> He had scores of 45 and 48 in the next two fixtures.<ref name="AzamT20Isinnings"/> In September 2017, he had a poor Test series against [[Sri Lankan cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2017–18|Sri Lanka]], where he managed to score only 39 runs across 2 Test matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12051;type=series|title= Records / Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 2017-18 / Test series / Most runs|work=ESPN|access-date=11 October 2017}}</ref> In the second ODI he became the fastest batsman to score 7th ODI century in ODIs<ref name="fastestto7th">{{cite web|url=https://ckrao.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/fastest-to-n-odi-centuries-for-n-sufficiently-large/|title=Fastest to nth ODI centuries|date=25 March 2012|publisher=ckrao.wordpress.com|access-date=14 October 2017}}</ref> and the first batsman in ODI history to score five consecutive centuries in one country.<ref name="BabarFive">{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/21043261/five-consecutive-tons-uae-babar-azam |title=Five consecutive tons in the UAE for Babar Azam |access-date=16 October 2017 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> He had scores of 30 and 69 (not out) in next two innings while chasing.<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> He was the leading runs-scorer for Pakistan in 2016 in ODIs and T20Is with 872 and 352 runs respectively.<ref name="2017ODI">{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=2;id=2017;type=year|title=Records &#124; One-Day Internationals &#124; Batting records &#124; Most runs in 2017 &#124; ESPN Cricinfo |publisher=Stats.espncricinfo.com|access-date=18 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="2017T20I">{{cite web|title=Records &#124; Twenty 20 Internationals &#124; Batting records &#124; Most runs in 2017 &#124; ESPN Cricinfo|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?class=3;id=2017;type=year|publisher=Stats.espncricinfo.com|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> At the 2017 PCB awards, he was awarded Pakistan's ODI Player of the year.<ref name="PCBawards">{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1357655|title= Sarfaraz bags outstanding player of the year at PCB awards 2017|publisher=Dawn News|date= 14 September 2017|access-date= 29 October 2017}}</ref> He was also listed in 2017's [[ICC ODI Team of the Year|ICC World ODI XI]] for the first time ever.<ref name="ODIXI">{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/596961|title=Men's ODI Team of the year|publisher=Icc.cricket.com|access-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> Pakistan's first assignment in 2018 was [[Pakistani cricket team in New Zealand in 2017–18|tour to New Zealand]]. Babar was an automatic selection in the ODI team. However he could score only 0, 10, 8, 3, 10 across 5 innings, scoring only 31 runs at an average of 6.2 as Pakistan were whitewashed 5–0, his worst series till date.<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/348144.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting;view=series|title=Statsguru / Statistics / Babar Azam / One-Day Internationals / Series averages |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=8 February 2018}}</ref> But performed well in the [[T20I]] series and contributed in team's winning the series 2–1. Babar was the leading run scorer with 109 runs. He had scores of 41, 50* and 18 in these T20Is.<ref name="AzamT20Isinnings" /> He became the no.1 [[T20I]] batsmen, the second to reach the feat after [[Misbah-ul-Haq]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/sports/2018/01/babar-azam-becomes-second-pakistani-to-top-icc-t20-rankings/|title=Babar Azam becomes second Pakistani to top ICC T20I rankings|publisher=SAMMA TV|date=28 January 2018|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> but soon slipped to no. 3 position. He regained no. 1 spot in the rankings after a successful series against [[West Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 2017–18|West Indies]], who were touring Pakistan after thirteen years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/656327|title=Babar Azam back on top with a bang in latest T20I rankings|website=Icc-cricket.com|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> His best performance came in the second T20I where he scored an unbeaten 97 runs which won him Man of the match award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18597/scorecard/1140070/pakistan-vs-west-indies-2nd-t20i-wi-in-pakistan-2018/|title=West Indies tour of Pakistan, 2nd T20I: Pakistan v West Indies at National Stadium, Karachi (NSK), 2nd April 2018|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=4 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23009507/babar-azam-defends-t20-approach-missing-century|title=Azam defends his T20 approach after missing out on century|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> He finished the series as leading run-getter with 165 runs at an average of 82.50 and a strike rare of 148.64,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12288;type=series|title=Records / Pak vs WI / Most runs|work=ESPN|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> and won the man of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18597/scorecard/1140071/pakistan-vs-west-indies-3rd-t20i-wi-in-pakistan-2018|title=Pak vs WI / 3rd T20I|work=ESPN|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> Pakistan won the series 3–0.Babar, Fakhar lead Pakistan to 3–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/18597/report/1140071/pakistan-vs-west-indies-3rd-t20i-wi-in-pakistan-2018|title=Babar, Fakhar lead Pakistan to 3-0 sweep|work=ESPN|access-date=3 April 2018}}</ref> During a Test match against England in May 2018, Azam was struck on the arm without padding by a bouncer from [[Ben Stokes]], when he was batting on 68. After an X-ray examination, it was confirmed that Azam had a fracture in his left wrist with a broken forearm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/196878-babar-azam|title= Babar Azam ruled out of the England Test series|publisher=Geo Tv|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref> After fully recovering from his injury, he made his return to the side against [[Pakistani cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2018|Zimbabwe]] in July for a five-match ODI series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23873371/pakistan-call-uncapped-sahibzada-farhan-t20i-tri-series-zimbabwe |title=Pakistan call up uncapped Sahibzada Farhan for T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe |work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=22 June 2018}}</ref> He performed well and managed to score 184 runs at an average of 184 in 4 innings<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12323;type=series|title=Records /Pakistan against Zimbabwe; ODI series / Most Runs|work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=22 July 2018}}</ref> including 76 balls 106 runs in the final odi of the series.<ref name="BabarAzaminningslist" /> In September 2018, he was selected for [[2018 Asia Cup]] held in [[United Arab Emirates]] (UAE).<ref name="PakSquad">{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/844507 |title=Shaheen Afridi included in Pakistan squad for Asia Cup 2018 |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=4 September 2018}}</ref> Playing his first [[Asia Cup]], he didn't have a good time of it, only managing to score 156 runs at an average of 31.20 in 5 matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12497;type=tournament|title=Records / Asia Cup, 2018 / Most runs|work=ESPNCricinfo|access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref> In November 2018, in the second Test [[New Zealand cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2018–19|against New Zealand]], Azam scored his first century in Test cricket.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Cricket/467801-2nd-Test-Babar-Azam-scores-first-century-Pakistan-eye-big-first-inning|title=2nd Test: Pakistan declare on 418, Azam scores first century|work=Dunya News|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref> ===2019 Cricket World Cup === In April 2019, he was named in [[2019 Cricket World Cup squads#Pakistan|Pakistan's squad]] for the [[2019 Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1181318.html |title=Mohammad Amir left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1188332 |title=Amir left out of Pakistan's World Cup squad |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=18 April 2019}}</ref> The [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC) named him as one of the five exciting talents making their Cricket World Cup debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1201658 |title=Cricket World Cup 2019: Debutant watch |work=International Cricket Council |access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref> In May 2019, he was also signed by [[Somerset County Cricket Club|Somerset]] as their overseas player for the [[2019 t20 Blast]].<ref name="somerset1">{{cite web|url=https://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/sport/somersetccc/17617030.county-cricket-babar-azam-to-join-somerset-for-vitality-blast/|title=County Cricket: Babar Azam to join Somerset for Vitality Blast|work=Yeovil Express|access-date=3 May 2019}}</ref> Just before the World Cup, Pakistan played [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 2019|against England]] in one-off T20I and 5-match ODI series to prepare for the tournament. In the T20I fixture he scored 65 from 42 balls before getting run-out. In the 5-match ODI series, he ended up as the joint leading runs-scorer, scoring 277 runs including a century and two half-centuries, going into the World Cup with runs under his belt.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12489;type=series|title=Most runs / ODI series / Eng vs Pak – 2019 /Statistics|work= ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref> On 26 June 2019, in the match against [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]], Azam became the fastest batsman for Pakistan, in terms of innings, to score 3,000 runs in ODIs (68).<ref name="babar3000a">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/490098-babar-azam-becomes-fastest-pakistani-batsman-to-reach-3000-runs |title=Babar Azam becomes fastest Pakistani batsman to reach 3,000 runs |work=The News |access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> In the same match, he also scored his 10th century in ODIs, finishing 101 [[not out]], with Pakistan winning by 6 wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019/story/world-cup-2019-pakistan-vs-new-zealand-cricket-report-babar-azam-shaheen-afridi-semi-final-chance-alive-1556860-2019-06-26 |title=World Cup 2019: Pakistan keep semi-final hopes alive after handing New Zealand 1st defeat |work=India Today |access-date=26 June 2019}}</ref> With this century, he also became the first middle-order batsman from Pakistan to hit a century in a World Cup match after 32 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/cricket/cricket-world-cup-2019/1127137/twitter-hails-babar-azam-as-he-becomes-first-pakistan-middle-order-batsman-to-score-world-cup-hundred-after-1987/|title=Twitter hails Babar Azam as he becomes first Pakistan middle order batsman to score World Cup hundred after 1987|work=Fox Sports Asia|access-date=27 June 2019}}</ref> A week later, in the match against [[Bangladesh cricket team|Bangladesh]], Babar broke [[Javed Miandad]]'s record of the most runs by a Pakistani batsman in a single edition of the World Cup, scoring 474 runs in 8 innings.<ref name="wc19">{{cite web|url=https://www.geosuper.tv/cricket/world-cup-2019/latest/1379-babar-azam-breaks-javed-miandads-27-year-old-record|title=Babar Azam breaks Javed Miandad's 27-year-old record|work=Geo TV|access-date=5 June 2019}}</ref> ===Test performances and leadership roles=== In September 2019, before the home series [[Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan 2019–20|against Sri Lanka]], he was named as the vice-captain of Pakistan cricket team in both ODIs and T20Is, on the back of his consistent performances in these formats.<ref name="babarvc">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/27606503/sarfaraz-ahmed-retained-pakistan-captain-babar-azam-made-vice-captain |title=Sarfaraz Ahmed retained as Pakistan captain, Babar Azam made vice-captain |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref><ref name="pcb">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/sarfaraz-ahmed-retained-pakistan-captain-babar-azam-appointed-vice-captain.html |title=Sarfaraz Ahmed retained Pakistan captain; Babar Azam appointed vice-captain |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> After the first ODI was washed out, Pakistan managed to win both of the remaining matches to clinch the series 2–0. He scored his 11th ton in the second ODI and became the fastest Pakistani player to reach 1,000 ODI runs in terms of innings in a calendar year beating the previous record of [[Javed Miandad]].<ref name="ndtv">[https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-babar-azam-century-makes-him-fastest-pakistani-player-to-1000-runs-in-calendar-2109788 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Babar Azam becomes fastest Pakistan Batsman to score 1000 runs in a calendar Year], NDTV Sports, 30 September 2019. Retrieved 2019-9-30.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/476158/babar-azam-writes-history-by-securing-a-unique-record/|title=Babar Azam writes history by securing a unique record|work=Daily Times|date=October 2019|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref> In October 2019, he was named captain of the Pakistan cricket team in T20Is, ahead of the [[Pakistani cricket team in Australia in 2019–20|Australia series]].<ref name="t20captain">{{cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/firstcricket/sports-news/pcb-sack-sarfaraz-ahmed-pakistan-skipper-tests-t20is-azhar-ali-babar-azam-take-charge-7519031.html/amp|title=PCB sack Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan skipper in Tests, T20Is; Azhar Ali and Babar Azam take charge|work=Firstpost|date=18 October 2019 |access-date=18 October 2019}}</ref> {{Quote box |width=30% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote="I thought Babar was extremely impressive. Looks to have a lot of class and could well become one of the best batsmen in the world."|salign=right |source=— [[Ricky Ponting]] on Babar Azam's performances on Australian Tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/sports/australian-legend-ricky-pointing-backs-babar-azam-to-become-a-world-class-player-505125.html|title=Australian legend Ricky Ponting backs Babar Azam to become a world class player|work=Indian Times|date=27 January 2020|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref>}} In the first Test of the series, he scored his second Test century, against a strong bowling line up.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-24/pakistans-babar-azam-makes-brisbane-breakthrough-aussie-attack/11733302|title=Pakistan star Babar Azam makes Brisbane breakthrough against Aussie attack|last=Lemon|first=Geoff|date=24 November 2019|website=ABC News|language=en-AUえーゆー|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> He missed out on his second consecutive century when he was dismissed on 97 in the second Test match.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/cruel-end-pain-for-babar-azam-as-pakistans-nightmare-continues-060239544.html|title=Cruel end': Pain for Babar Azam as Pakistan's nightmare continues|work=sports.yahoo.com|access-date=1 December 2019}}</ref> He scored 210 runs with an average of 52.50.<ref>{{cite web|title=Most runs in the 2019–20 Australia v Pakistan Test series|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13014;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2 December 2019}}</ref> In December 2019, [[Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan in 2019–20|Sri Lanka returned to Pakistan]] for a two-match Test series. This marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan after a decade's absence, with [[Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium]] hosting the first Test match. Babar, batting in his first ever Test inning on home soil, scored an unbeaten quick-fire century on day 5 of the rain-affected match, resulting in a draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1534277|title=Abid Ali, Babar Azam hundreds light up final day of Pakistan-Sri Lanka draw|access-date=15 December 2019|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In the Second Test, played at [[National Stadium, Karachi|National Stadium]], he scored 60 and 100 not out respectively,<ref name="babartestinnings">{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/348144.html?class=1;template=results;type=batting;view=innings|title=Statistics / Statsguru / Babar Azam / Test matches / Innings List|access-date=22 December 2019|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> ending the series with 262 runs with an average of exactly 262.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13448;type=series|title=Records / Sri Lanka in Pakistan Test series, 2019-20 / Most runs|access-date=22 December 2019|work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> Pakistan won the match by 263 runs, winning the series 1–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19430/report/1206636/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-icc-world-test-championship |title=Naseem Shah takes five as Pakistan clinch series |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=23 December 2019}}</ref> In January 2020, he was named in 2019's ICC World ODI XI, making the list for the second time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/598928-icc-names-babar-azam|title=ICC names Babar Azam in 2019 ODI Team of the Year|work=The News|location=Pakistan|date=15 January 2020|access-date=27 June 2021}}</ref> In January 2020, [[Bangladeshi cricket team in Pakistan in 2019–20|Bangladesh toured Pakistan]] for a three-match T20I series, with Azam captaining Pakistan for the first time at home.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/world-no-1-babar-azam-to-captain-pakistan-for-the-first-time-in-front-of-his-home-fans.html |title=World No.1 Babar Azam to captain Pakistan for the first time in front of his home fans |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=25 January 2020}}</ref> Pakistan won the T20I series 2–0, with the third match abandoned due to rain. It was Pakistan's first series win under his captaincy and his first Player of the series award as captain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/19732/report/1213060/pakistan-vs-bangladesh-3rd-t20i-bangladesh-in-pakistan-2019-20 |title=Rain forces abandonment, Pakistan take series 2-0 |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref> In the first match of the [[Bangladeshi cricket team in Pakistan in 2019–20#1st Test|Test series]], he scored fluent 143 runs, beating his previous career best score of 127*.<ref>{{cite web|title=PAK vs BAN: Shan Masood and Babar Azam tame Bangla Tigers with tons|url=https://crickettimes.com/2020/02/pak-vs-ban-shan-masood-and-babar-azam-push-tame-bangla-tigers-with-tons/|publisher=Cricket times|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> In May 2020, he was appointed as ODI captain as well.<ref name="babarcaptainodi"/> In June 2020, he was named as the T20I captain in a 29-man squad for Pakistan's [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 2020|tour to England]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] to play three Tests and three T20Is.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29300707/haider-ali-new-face-pakistan-name-29-man-touring-party-england |title=Haider Ali the new face as Pakistan name 29-man touring party for England |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/haider-ali-named-in-29-player-squad-for-england-tour.html |title= Haider Ali named in 29-player squad for England tour |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref> In July, he was shortlisted in Pakistan's 20-man squad for the Test matches against England.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pakistan-shortlist-players-for-england-tests.html |title= Pakistan shortlist players for England Tests |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/29548095/wahab-riaz,-sarfaraz-ahmed-20-man-pakistan-squad-england-tests |title=Wahab Riaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed in 20-man Pakistan squad for England Tests |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> During the first day of the first Test, he scored an attacking unbeaten 69 runs in difficult conditions, to help his side get out of danger, his knock earned him appreciation from former England captains, Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1572763|title=Babar Azam punishes sloppy England with fine fifty in first test|work=Dawn|date=5 August 2020|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arysports.tv/babar-azam-fab-five-nasser-hussain/|title=For me, Babar Azam is in fab five' Nasser Hussain|work=ARY Sports|date=5 August 2020|access-date=5 August 2020}}</ref> {{Quote box |width=30% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote="On a positive note Babar Azam is certainly one of the best Test players in the World, love the way he plays."|salign=right |source=— [[Michael Vaughan]] on Babar Azam's performances on England Tour.<ref name="babarpraisedbyenglandcaptains">{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/697138-babar-praised-by-former-english-captains|title=Babar praised by former English captains|work=The News International|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>}} {{Quote box |width=30% |align=right |quoted=1 |quote="It’s the fab five and Babar Azam is in that."|salign=right |source=— [[Nasser Hussain]] on Babar Azam's knock in the first test on England Tour.<ref name="babarpraisedbyenglandcaptains"/>}} In the third and final Test of the series, he scored his 2,000th run in Test cricket, achieving the feat in his 29th Test.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tekdeeps.com/engl-vs-pak-series-babar-azam-has-achieved-2000-runs-in-test-be-the-second-fastest-batsman-in-pakistan-to-score-2000-runs-in-test-cricket-babar-azam/ |title=Eng Vs Pak Series: Babar Azam Has Achieved 2000 Runs In Test |work=Tekdeeps|date=26 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> He finished the series with 195 runs at an average of 48.75 in five innings with two half-centuries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Most runs / 2020 / England v Pakistan / Test series|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13284;type=series|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref> In the second T20I against England, he became the joint-fastest batsman to score 1,500 runs in T20Is, reaching the milestone in 39 innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/cricket/pakistan-vs-england-babar-azam-equals-virat-kohli-aaron-finch-s-t20i-record/story-vCz6WxxvHynXW4d0D2XhgN.html |title=England vs Pakistan: Babar Azam equals Virat Kohli, Aaron Finch's T20I record |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2020 |access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> He finished the series with 77 runs in two innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13285;type=series|title=Records / Pakostan vs England T20I series (2020) / Most runs|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 September 2020}}</ref> Pakistan drew the series 1-1, after winning the third and final T20I, with the first match being washed out.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/53993156 |title=England v Pakistan: Tourists win by five runs in final ball thriller |work=BBC Sport |access-date=1 September 2020}}</ref> On 8 September 2020, he slipped to number two position in the T20I batsmen ranking after leading it for 22 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arysports.tv/babar-azam-loses-his-no-1-spot-in-icc-mens-t20i-rankings-to-dawid-malan/|title=Babar Azam loses his No.1 spot in ICC men's T20I rankings to Dawid Malan|work=ARY Sports|date=9 September 2020|access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref> He captained the team for the [[List of Pakistan national cricket captains#Men's One Day International captains|first time in ODIs]] in Pakistan's home series [[Zimbabwean cricket team in Pakistan in 2020–21|against Zimbabwe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/30100643/babar-azam-count-very-lucky-lead-pakistan-home |title=Babar Azam: 'I count myself very lucky' to lead Pakistan at home |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=12 October 2020}}</ref> Pakistan won the series 2–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/zimbabwe-beat-pakistan-super-over-sean-williams-blessing-muzarabani-babar-azam-1737723-2020-11-03 |title=PAK vs ZIM, 3rd ODI: Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani star as Zimbabwe beat Pakistan in Super Over |work=India Today |access-date=3 November 2020}}</ref> He scored 221 runs including a century score of 125 runs in the 3rd and final ODI and was named as Man of the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13743;type=series|title=Record / Most runs / PAK vs ZIM, 2020 ODI Series |work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/7017-pak-vs-zim-live-score-updates-commentary-for-3rd-odi-in-rawalpindi-november-3|title=3rd ODI: Zimbabwe beat Pakistan after Super Over|work=Geo Super|access-date=4 November 2020}}</ref> In the first T20I of the series [[Zimbabwean cricket team in Pakistan in 2020–21|against Zimbabwe]], he scored 82 runs, becoming the first batsman to score more than 1,000 runs in T20 cricket for the second consecutive year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/7069-babar-azam-completes-1000-t20-runs-for-2nd-straight-year|title=Babar Azam completes 1,000 T20 runs for 2nd straight year|work=Geo Super|access-date=7 November 2020}}</ref> On 10 November 2020, Babar was appointed captain of Pakistan's Test side, ahead of their [[Pakistani cricket team in New Zealand in 2020–21|tour to New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/babar-azam-appointed-test-captain.html |title=Babar Azam appointed Test captain |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> He suffered a thumb injury while practicing and was ruled out of the Test series and later from the T20I series as well.<ref>{{cite web|title=Babar Azam ruled out of T20Is against New Zealand|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pakistan-vs-new-zealand-babar-azam-ruled-out-of-t20is-against-new-zealand-1243702|work=ESPNCricinfo|access-date=13 December 2020}}</ref> ===No. 1 ODI batsman=== [[File:Babar Azam 2022.jpg|thumb|Babar celebrating his hundred against the West Indies]] In April 2021, while playing against South Africa in the first ODI, Babar scored his 13th ODI century in his 76th innings, making him the quickest to reach this mark, surpassing the record of [[Hashim Amla]] who took 83 innings to achieve the record.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Babar quickest to 13 ODI tons, van der Dussen oldest South African to maiden ODI century|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sa-vs-pak-2021-1st-odi-babar-azam-quickest-to-13-odi-tons-van-der-dussen-oldest-south-african-to-maiden-odi-century-1257644|access-date=2021-04-04|website=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> At the end of the series, he became the No. 1 ODI batsman, with 865 points, surpassing Virat Kohli who had previously been the top-rated ODI batsman for 1258 days.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-14|title=Its official: Babar Azam topples Virat Kohli to become world's no 1 batsman|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/345225-its-official-babar-azam-topples-virat-kholi-to-become-worlds-no-1-batsman|access-date=2021-04-14|website=Geo.tv|language=en}}</ref> On 14 April 2021, Babar scored his maiden T20I century (122), in a winning cause against South Africa in the Centurion Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Babar Azam's masterful century leads Pakistan to a crushing win over South Africa in third T20I|url=https://www.skysports.com/amp/cricket/news/12123/12275453/babar-azams-masterful-century-led-pakistan-to-a-crushing-win-over-south-africa-in-third-t20i|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Sky Sports|language=en}}</ref> He and [[Mohammad Rizwan (cricketer)|Mohammad Rizwan]] shared a partnership of 197 runs, which is the highest partnership for Pakistan in T20Is and the fourth-highest partnership of all time in the format.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Records {{!}} Twenty20 Internationals {{!}} Partnership records {{!}} Highest partnerships for any wicket|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283622.html|access-date=2021-04-19|website=Cricinfo}}</ref> On 25 April 2021, in the third T20I [[Pakistani cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2020–21|against Zimbabwe]], Babar became the fastest batsman, in terms of innings, to [[List of Twenty20 International records#Fastest to multiples of 1,000 runs|score 2,000 runs in T20Is]], doing so in his 52nd innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/347219-babar-azam-breaks-virat-kohlis-record-by-being-the-fastest-batsman-to-2000-t20i-runs |title=Babar Azam breaks Virat Kohli's record by being the fastest batsman to 2,000 T20I runs |work=Geo TV |access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> In September 2021, Babar was named as the captain of Pakistan's squad for the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/asif-ali-khusdil-shah-included-in-pakistan-t20-wc-squad-sharjeel-khan-left-out-1276467| title= Sharjeel Khan dropped from T20 World Cup squad; Asif Ali, Khushdil Shah make 15-man cut| work= ESPN Cricnfo| access-date= 6 September 2021}}</ref> During the tournament he regained his position as the number one T20I batsman in the rankings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Babar Azam reclaims T20I crown, first-time No.1 bowler named |url=https://www.t20worldcup.com/news/2327671 |publisher=ICC |access-date=3 November 2021}}</ref> Babar break the record of most fifties (4) and runs (303) in a T20 World Cup edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/t20-world-cup-2021/story/babar-azam-breaks-matthew-hayden-record-for-most-runs-in-maiden-t20-world-cup-appearance-1875748-2021-11-11 |title=Babar Azam breaks Matthew Hayden's record for most runs in debut T20 World Cup appearance |work=India Today |access-date=11 November 2021}}</ref> He led Pakistan to the semi-finals, where they lost to [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]], ending their campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 12, 2021|first=Dwaipayan|last=Datta|title=Pakistan vs Australia T20 2021: Australia beat Pakistan to set up final clash with New Zealand|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/icc-mens-t20-world-cup/t20-world-cup-australia-beat-pakistan-to-set-up-final-clash-with-new-zealand/articleshow/87657732.cms|access-date=2021-11-12|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In March 2022, [[Australian cricket team in Pakistan in 2021–22|Australia toured Pakistan]] after 24 years, in the second test match of the series, he scored 196 runs and broke the record of most runs by a captain in the fourth innings of a test.<ref name="record196">{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/pak-vs-aus-2nd-test-2022-stats-babar-azam-record-knock-pakistan-marathon-effort-and-more-1305914 |title=Babar Azam's record knock, Pakistan's marathon effort, and more |work=ESPN Cricinfo |access-date=18 March 2022}}</ref> A week later, during the first ODI against [[Australian cricket team|Australia]] played at [[Gaddafi Stadium]], he became the second fastest overall and fastest Asian to score 4,000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in his 82nd inning.<ref name="f4000odi">{{cite web|url=https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/29-Mar-2022/pakvaus-babar-azam-adds-another-feather-to-his-cap |title=PAKvAUS: Babar Azam adds another feather to his cap |work=Daily Pakistan |date=29 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}</ref> Few days later, during the second ODI match, he became the first Pakistani skipper to score an ODI century against Australia, also becoming the fastest batsman overall in terms of innings (83) to score 15th ODI century,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/14761-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-becomes-fastest-batter-to-reach-15-odi-centuries |title=PAK vs AUS: Babar Azam becomes fastest batter to reach 15 ODI centuries |work=Geo Super |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> and helped Pakistan to register their highest successful run chase in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/408622-pak-vs-aus-pakistan-beat-australia-in-second-odi-to-level-series |title=Pak vs Aus: Babar Azam and co chase team's highest ODI target to level series |work=Geo TV |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref> In the third and decider match of the series, he scored yet another hundred which helped Pakistan chase 211 runs comfortably and win the series 2-1. This was Pakistan's first ODI series win against Australia since 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/946870-ton-up-babar-leads-pakistan-to-first-series-win-over-australia-in-20-years|title=Ton-up Babar leads Pakistan to first series win over Australia in 20 years|work=The News International|access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> He was named man of the match for second consecutive time in the series and also man of the series for his 276 runs with an average of 138.00.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/australia-in-pakistan-2021-22-1288300/pakistan-vs-australia-3rd-odi-1288315/live-cricket-score|title=Ton-up Babar leads Pakistan to first series win over Australia in 20 years|work=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=2 April 2022}}</ref> ==Domestic and franchise cricket== ===Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and National T20 Cup=== Babar initially played domestic cricket for the [[Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited cricket team]] and for [[Islamabad Leopards]] as an emerging player.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/archive/print/443018-babar-azam-helps-ztbl-down-sngpl |title=Babar Azam helps ZTBL down SNGPL |work=The News |date=16 July 2013}}</ref> For next couple of years, he played first-class cricket for [[State Bank of Pakistan cricket team]] and [[Sui Southern Gas Company cricket team]] in the [[Quaid-e-Azam Trophy]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/quaideazam-trophy-silver-201415/match/27012.html |title=Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Silver 2014/15 / Final: State Bank of Pakistan vs Habib Bank Limited |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=6 September 2020}}</ref> In September 2019, Babar was named as the captain of the newly formed [[Central Punjab cricket team|Central Punjab]] for the 2019–20 domestic season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pcb-announces-squads-for-2019-20-domestic-season.html |title=PCB announces squads for 2019-20 domestic season |work=Pakistan Cricket Board|access-date=4 September 2019}}</ref> His team went on to win the trophy after defeating [[Northern cricket team|Northern]] in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dunyanews.tv/amp/english/525626.php|title=Central Punjab win first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20|work=Dunya News|access-date=9 January 2019}}</ref> He led his side in the [[2019–20 National T20 Cup]]. In the first match for his side, he scored a century, becoming the first Pakistani cricketer to score three centuries as well as more than 1,500 runs in [[Twenty20 cricket]] in a calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/551201-babar-azam-becomes-first-pakistani-to-score-1600-t20-runs-in-a-calendar-year|title=Babar Azam becomes first Pakistani to score 1,600 T20 runs in a calendar year|work=The News|access-date=6 November 2019}}</ref> He was retained by [[Central Punjab cricket team|Central Punjab]] for the 2020–21 domestic season, both as a player and captain of the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/six-cricket-association-squads-confirmed.html |title=Six Cricket Association squads confirmed |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=28 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geosuper.tv/latest/6359-pcb-reveals-squads-for-national-t20-cup|title=PCB reveals squads for National T20 Cup|work=Geo Super|access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref> On 12 October 2020, during the match against [[Balochistan cricket team|Balochistan]], he became the fastest batsman in terms of innings (27) to score 1,000 runs in [[National T20 Cup]]'s history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://battingwithbimal.com/2020/10/13/babar-azam-sets-new-record-in-the-national-t20-cup/|title=Pakistan captain Babar Azam sets new record in the National T20 Cup|work=Batting with Bimal|date=13 October 2020|access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref> In October 2021, in the [[2021–22 National T20 Cup]], he became the fastest batsman, in terms of innings, to score 7,000 runs in T20 cricket (187).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/article/babar-azam-beats-virat-kohli-chris-gayle-scripts-history-in-t20-cricket-pakistan-captain-becomes-fastest-batsman-to-complete-7000-runs/819930 |title=Babar Azam scripts history in T20 cricket: Pakistan captain becomes fastest batsman to complete 7,000 runs |work=Times Now News |access-date=4 October 2021}}</ref> ===Pakistan Super League=== Babar represented [[Islamabad United]] in the [[2016 Pakistan Super League|inaugural season]] of the [[Pakistan Super League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dunyanews.tv/en/Cricket/316056-Islamabad-United-all-set-to-take-PSL-on |title=Islamabad United all set to take PSL on |work=Dunya News |access-date=6 September 2020}}</ref> Before the [[2017 Pakistan Super League players draft|2017 PSL players draft]] he moved to [[Karachi Kings]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/117169-Sangakkara-Gayle-join-Karachi-Kings-for-PSL-2|title=Sangakkara, Gayle join Karachi Kings for PSL 2017|publisher=GEO TV}}</ref> He performed well in the [[2017 Pakistan Super League|2017 season]], scoring 291 runs at a [[batting average (cricket)|batting average]] of 32.33 runs per innings and finishing the tournament as the second leading runs-scorer behind his cousin [[Kamran Akmal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-super-league-2016-17/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=11673;type=tournament|title=Pakistan Super League, 2017 / Records / Most runs|publisher= ESPNcricinfo|access-date= 10 March 2017}}</ref> He was retained by the Kings for the [[2018 Pakistan Super League|2018 season]]<ref>{{cite web|title=HBL Pakistan Super League retentions finalised|url=http://www.psl-t20.com/hbl-pakistan-super-league-retentions-finalised/|publisher=Psl-t20.com|access-date= 5 October 2017}}</ref> and was the third-highest run-scorer with five half-centuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12186;type=tournament|title=Pakistan Super League, 2018 / Records / Most runs|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|date=25 March 2018|access-date=31 March 2018}}</ref> He was again retained ahead of the [[2019 Pakistan Super League]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/393390|title=PSL Team Retention list revealed|date=13 November 2018|access-date=14 November 2018|work=The News}}</ref> Before the [[2020 Pakistan Super League|2020 season]], he was appointed as vice captain of the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1519896|title=Most of Pakistan stars retained by their franchises for PSL 2020|website=Dawn.com|date=2 December 2019|access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/saj_pakpassion/status/1202910503519031296|title=Imad Wasim will continue as Karachi Kings' captain while Babar Azam will be vice-captain|work=Pak Passion.net|access-date=6 December 2019}}</ref> He was leading runs scorer in Pakistan Super League 2020. He scored 473 runs with an average of 59.12.<ref>{{cite web|title=PSL 2020 Stats|url=https://propakistani.pk/psl-2020/statistics/|website=Propakistani.pk|access-date= 17 November 2020|date= 17 September 2020}}</ref> He led his team to [[2020 Pakistan Super League Final|PSL final]] victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Babar Azam's fluent fifty guides Karachi Kings to maiden PSL title|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8679/report/1231146/karachi-kings-vs-lahore-qalandars-final-psl|website=[[ESPN Cricinfo]]|access-date= 17 November 2020|date= 17 September 2020}}</ref> He won [[Player of the match|man of the match]] award in Qualifier and Final. He was also Player of the tournament in [[2020 Pakistan Super League|2020 season]].<ref>{{cite web|title=PSL 2020 Stats|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/319127-babar-azam-rules-psl-2020|website=[[Geo News]]|access-date= 17 November 2020|date= 17 September 2020}}</ref> In the [[2021 Pakistan Super League|2021 season]], he scored 554 runs with an average of 69.25, breaking his own record of most runs in a single PSL edition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13781;type=tournament|title=Records / 2022 Pakistan Super League / Most runs|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 June 2021}}</ref> However, this record was broken in the next season by [[Fakhar Zaman (cricketer)|Fakhar Zaman]]. In December 2021, he was named as the captain of the [[Karachi Kings]] following the players' draft for the [[2022 Pakistan Super League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/franchises-finalise-squad-for-hbl-psl-2022-.html |title=Franchises finalise squad for HBL PSL 2022 |work=Pakistan Cricket Board |access-date=12 December 2021}}</ref> ===Other leagues=== In 2016, he was signed by [[Bangladesh Premier League]] (BPL) franchise [[Rangpur Riders]], (later renamed as Rangpur Rangers), however due to [[Pakistani cricket team in Australia in 2016–17|national duties]], he could not participate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/bangladesh/content/story/1059887.html |title=Eighty-five players picked in BPL 2016-17 draft |date=30 September 2016 |access-date=8 September 2020 |work=ESPN Cricinfo}}</ref> In 2017, Babar played for [[Guyana Amazon Warriors]] in the [[Caribbean Premier League]] and [[Sylhet Sixers]] in the BPL. In 2019, [[Somerset County Cricket Club|Somerset]] signed Babar for the [[2019 t20 Blast]] [[county cricket]] competition.<ref name="somerset1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/26662053/pakistan-babar-azam-joins-somerset-t20-blast-stint|title=Pakistan's Babar Azam joins Somerset for T20 stint|work= ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="somerset2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.somersetcountycc.co.uk/news/first-xi/somerset-sign-babar-azam/|title=SOMERSET SIGN BABAR AZAM |work=Somerset County Cricket Club |date=3 May 2019 |access-date=30 August 2019}}</ref> He was the competition's highest run-scorer with 578 runs in 13 matches including four half-centuries and one century and recorded a [[batting average (cricket)|batting average]] of 52.54 runs per innings.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=12763;type=tournament| title=Most Runs - Vitality Blast, 2019| publisher=ESPN Cricinfo|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> In January 2019, it was announced that he would rejoin Somerset for 12 matches in the [[2020 t20 Blast]] as well as for two first-class matches.<ref name="blast2020">{{cite web|url=https://arysports.tv/babar-azam-play-somerset-county-championship-2020/|title=Babar Azam to play for Somerset in County Championship 2020|work=ARY Sports|date=18 December 2019|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> In August 2020, Somerset confirmed his participation, and was available after fulfilling his [[Pakistani cricket team in England in 2020|national duties]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/113980/babar-azam-to-play-for-somerset-in-t20-blast |title=Babar Azam to play for Somerset in T20 Blast |work=Cricbuzz |access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref> On 16 September 2020, in the match against [[Glamorgan County Cricket Club|Glamorgan]], he registered his career best score of 114 not out off 62 balls and also completed his 5,000 runs in T20s, becoming the third fastest in the world and fastest Asian in terms of innings to achieve the milestone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesportsrush.com/cricket-news-vitality-blast-2020-somersets-babar-azam-slams-fourth-t20-century-and-career-best-score-vs-glamorgan/|title=Vitality Blast 2020: Somerset's Babar Azam slams fourth T20 century and career-best score vs Glamorgan|work=The Sports Rush |date=16 September 2020|access-date=17 September 2020}}</ref> The century against Glamorgan was also the first hit by a batsman in a T20 game at [[Sophia Gardens (cricket ground)|Sophia Gardens]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-16|title=Sophia Gardens T20 Blast Statistics and Records|url=https://t20-head-to-head.com/t20-blast-stadium-statistics-records/sophia-gardens/|access-date=2021-05-21|website=T20 Head to Head|language=en-GB}}</ref> He ended the season with 218 runs in 7 matches with an average of 36.33, finishing as team's second highest runs-getter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=13466;team=1384;type=tournament|title=Records / Vitality Blast 2020: Somerset / Most runs|work=ESPN|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref> However, Somerset did not qualify for the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8053/report/1207787/gloucestershire-vs-somerset-central-group-vitality-blast-2020|title=Last-ball defeat sends Somerset out as Ian Cockbain sets up Gloucestershire win|work=ESPN|access-date=21 September 2020}}</ref> ==Records and achievements== {{See also|List of international cricket centuries by Babar Azam}} He is the third-fastest Pakistani batsman to reach 1000 runs in ODI cricket (21 innings).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Records {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Batting records {{!}} Fastest to 1000 runs {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283174.html |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref> He is also the fastest Pakistani batsman to reach 2000 runs in ODI cricket (45 innings). He holds the record jointly with Zaheer Abbas and Kevin Pietersen.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Records {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Batting records {{!}} Fastest to 2000 runs {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283153.html |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref> Babar Azam is also the fastest Asian batsman to reach 3000 runs in ODI cricket (68 innings).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Records {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Batting records {{!}} Fastest to 3000 runs {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283178.html |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref> He also holds the record to score the most runs in the first 25 innings of his career (1306 runs).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-19 |title=Twenty-five stats about the number 25 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/25/content/story/1140252.html |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Cricinfo |language=en}}</ref> Babar Azam is the only cricketer to score 5 consecutive centuries in a single country (United Arab Emirates).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Babar Azam Biography, Achievements, Career Info, Records & Stats - Sportskeeda |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/babar-azam |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref> Babar is the fastest batsman to score 7, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 ODI centuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mobile.twitter.com/daniel86cricket/status/1534610551166337024|title=Babar Azam world record fastest to 17 ODI centuries. Babar also fastest to 7, 13, 14, 15 & 16 ODI centuries. Babar fastest to 1K ODI runs as captain & 1st batsman to score 3 consecutive ODI centuries twice. Babar dealing in world records.|website=Mobile.twitter.com|access-date=2022-06-26}}</ref> With 17 centuries in ODIs he has the second most centuries in the format for a Pakistani batter.<ref>[https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html] {{dead link|date=June 2022}}</ref> He is the only batsman in history to score 3 consecutive centuries twice.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-09 |title=Babar Azam becomes first batter to score three consecutive ODI centuries twice |url=https://theprint.in/sport/babar-azam-becomes-first-batter-to-score-3-consecutive-odi-centuries-twice/989665/ |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> He is the fastest captain to reach 1000 ODI runs in 13 innings.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Barua |first1=Arijit |date=2022-06-09 |title=Fastest to 1,000 ODI Runs as Captain |url=https://sportzpoint.com/cricket/fastest-to-1000-odi-runs-as-captain/ |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=SportzPoint |language=en-US}}</ref> He has the highest number of runs with 303 runs in the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup|ICC T20 world cup in 2021]]. He is also the fastest batsman, in terms of time taken, to reach 1000 runs in T20 Internationals (26 innings).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Records {{!}} Twenty20 Internationals {{!}} Batting records {{!}} Fastest to 1000 runs {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/925247.html |access-date=2022-06-12 |website=Cricinfo}}</ref> Babar Azam has also scored the most runs for Pakistan in a single World Cup (474 runs in 2019 World Cup). He has been the top ODI scorer for Pakistan in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. Babar Azam has also been the top Test scorer for Pakistan in 2018 and 2019. He has the highest test score for a captain in the fourth innings of a test match. He has the most consecutive 50+ scores in men's international cricket. He is the first Pakistani captain to beat India in a world cup match. Babar is also the first Pakistani to win the ICC ODI cricketer of the year. He has the highest individual score for a Pakistani captain in ODIs. He is the fastest batsman to reach 2000 and 2500 T20I runs. He is one of 3 Pakistani batsman to score a century in all formats and has the highest T20I score for Pakistan. In the PSL he is the highest run scorer in the 2020 and 2021 with 473 and 554 runs. He is the first Pakistani Capitan and fifth overall to complete 1000 runs across all formats. He is the fastest Pakistani and fifth fastest overall to reach 10000 runs across all formats. He is the first Pakistani and fourth Capitan in history to score a century in every format. He had the highest score by a Capitan and the 7th highest overall 8n the fourth innings of a test match. The 425 balls he faced is the fourth most by a player in the fourth innings of a test match. He also has the record for the second most minutes batted in the fourth innings of a match. He has the highest fourth innings test score by a Pakistani player.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Babar Azam Biography, Achievements, Career Info, Records & Stats - Sportskeeda |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/babar-azam |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Sportskeeda.com |language=en-us}}</ref> * * * * * * * * * * * * ==Awards== ===2017=== * He was named in the [[ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year]] 2017 * PCB's ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2017 ===2018=== * PCB's T20I Cricketer of the Year: 2017 ===2019=== * He was named in the [[ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year]] 2019 ===2020=== * [[2020 Pakistan Super League]] Player of the Tournament * [[ARY News]] Person of the Year 2020 ===2021=== * Named as [[ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year]] 2021<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-24|title=Babar Azam crowned ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/927761-babar-azam-crowned-icc-mens-odi-cricketer-of-the-year|access-date=2022-01-24|website=The News International|language=en}}</ref> * Named as captain of the [[ICC Men's T20I Team of the Year]] 2021 * Named as captain of the [[ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year]] 2021 * Named as captain of the [[2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup#Team of the tournament|2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] Team of the Tournament * Winner of [[ICC Player of the Month]] for April 2021 * PCB's ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2021<ref name="Geo TV" >{{cite web| url= https://www.geo.tv/latest/391947-rizwan-babar-shaheen-bag-pcb-award-2021| title= Rizwan, Babar, and Shaheen bag PCB Awards 2021| website= www.geo.tv| access-date=7 January 2022}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{commons category}} * {{cricinfo|id=348144}} {{s-start}} {{succession box | before= [[Sarfaraz Ahmed]] | title= [[Pakistani national cricket captains|Pakistani national cricket captain]] ([[Twenty20 International|T20I]]) | years= 2019–present | after= ''' Incumbent ''' }} {{succession box | before= [[Sarfaraz Ahmed]] | title= [[Pakistani national cricket captains|Pakistani national cricket captain]] ([[One Day International|ODI]]) | years= 2020–present | after= ''' Incumbent ''' }} {{succession box | before= [[Azhar Ali]] | title= [[Pakistani national cricket captains|Pakistani national cricket captain]] ([[Test cricket|Test]]) | years= 2020–present | after= ''' Incumbent ''' }} {{s-end}} {{s-start}} {{s-ach|aw}} {{succession box|title=[[ICC ODI Player of the Year]]|before=[[Rohit Sharma]]|after=--|years=2021}} {{s-end}} {{Current national cricket captains}} {{Navboxes |title= Captaincy |bg= #01411C |fg= white |bordercolor= #00AA00 |list1= {{Pakistan Test Cricket Captains}} {{Pakistan ODI Cricket Captains}} {{Pakistan T20I Cricket Captains}} }} {{Navboxes |title= Pakistan squads |bg= #01411C |fg= white |bordercolor= #00AA00 |list1= {{Pakistan Squad 2017 ICC Champions Trophy}} {{Pakistan Squad 2019 Cricket World Cup}} }} {{Karachi Kings current squad}} {{ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Azam, Babar}} [[Category:1994 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Punjabi people]] [[Category:Pakistani cricketers]] [[Category:Lahore cricketers]] [[Category:Cricketers from Lahore]] [[Category:Pakistan Test cricketers]] [[Category:Pakistan One Day International cricketers]] [[Category:Pakistan Twenty20 International cricketers]] [[Category:Cricketers at the 2019 Cricket World Cup]] [[Category:Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited cricketers]] [[Category:Islamabad Leopards cricketers]] [[Category:Islamabad cricketers]] [[Category:Lahore Eagles cricketers]] [[Category:Islamabad United cricketers]] [[Category:Rangpur Rangers cricketers]] [[Category:Karachi Kings cricketers]] [[Category:Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketers]] [[Category:Sylhet Sixers cricketers]] [[Category:Somerset cricketers]] [[Category:Central Punjab cricketers]]'