Babar Azam Matches Kohli's Record with 74-Run Masterclass Against Zimbabwe
On a crisp Sunday evening in Rawalpindi, Babar Azam didn’t just rescue his team—he rewrote history. Facing a struggling Zimbabwe side in the fourth match of the 2025 Tri-Nation T20 Series, the Pakistan captain smashed a blistering 74 off just 52 balls, matching Virat Kohli’s all-time record of 38 T20 international half-centuries. The innings, laced with seven fours and two towering sixes, wasn’t just about numbers—it was a statement. After months of criticism over form, Babar had silenced every doubter with a performance that felt like redemption.
From Criticism to Climax
Just days before this match, Babar Azam was under siege. His previous outing against Zimbabwe had ended in a duck. Against Sri Lanka, he managed a meager 16 off 22 balls. Fans questioned his place in the side. Coaches hinted at rotation. The pressure was mounting. But in Rawalpindi, something shifted. The crowd, once restless, grew silent as he stepped in—then erupted with every boundary. His strike rate of 142.31 wasn’t just efficient; it was surgical. He attacked spin, punished loose deliveries, and rotated strike with surgical precision.
His partnership with Saheebzada Farhan was the engine of Pakistan’s 195/5. Farhan, playing with fearless aggression, smashed 63 off 41 balls, including three sixes. Together, they added 103 runs in 77 balls for the third wicket—turning what could have been a shaky start into a commanding total. Even Fakhar Zaman, usually the aggressor, played the finisher’s role, slamming 27 off 10 balls to push the score past 190.
Zimbabwe’s Fight and Fall
Zimbabwe didn’t roll over. Ryan Burl, their gritty all-rounder, played one of the best innings of his career—67 not out off 49 balls, with five fours and two sixes. He held the innings together, dragging his team within touching distance of the target. But the pressure told. Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sikander Raza (who ironically played for both sides in past tournaments), choked the flow. Zimbabwe lost their last six wickets for just 37 runs in the final six overs. They finished at 126/9 in 19 overs—a 69-run defeat that felt even heavier given the stakes.
A Record Matched, Not Broken
By hitting his 38th T20I half-century, Babar Azam tied Virat Kohli’s record—a feat many thought impossible. Kohli, the Indian maestro, had held this record since 2021, amassing his 38 half-centuries over 12 years. Babar reached it in just 87 T20Is, compared to Kohli’s 114. The difference? Pace. Power. Precision. Kohli’s were often anchors; Babar’s are accelerators. This wasn’t just about volume—it was about timing. And in this series, against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, he’s been at his most lethal.
What makes this more remarkable? Babar’s comeback. After being dropped from the squad for the 2024 Asia Cup due to form, he was recalled for this tri-series as a gamble. Now, he’s the reason Pakistan is in the final. He’s the reason the team’s morale has lifted. He’s the reason the entire nation is buzzing again.
What’s Next? The Final Against Sri Lanka
Pakistan’s third straight win in the tri-series has booked them a date with Sri Lanka in the final, set for November 26 in Lahore. Sri Lanka, who lost their opening match to Pakistan but defeated Zimbabwe in their last outing, will be wary. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance—especially in death bowling—but lack consistency. Babar, riding high on confidence, will be the key. If he fires again, Pakistan’s first T20 series win since 2023 is within reach.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This isn’t just about records or finals. It’s about legacy. Babar Azam has carried Pakistan’s batting for years, often alone. When the team collapsed in 2023, he was the only consistent performer. Critics called him slow. Then came the 2024 slump. But this innings? It proves he’s not just surviving—he’s evolving. At 29, he’s entering his prime. And with Kohli retired from T20Is, Babar now stands alone as the most prolific half-century-maker in active cricket.
He’s also become a symbol of resilience. In a country where cricket is religion, a captain’s slump can feel like a national crisis. But Babar didn’t quit. He trained harder. He listened. And on this night, in front of 25,000 roaring fans in Rawalpindi, he delivered—not just runs, but hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Babar Azam’s 74-run innings compare to his previous performances in the series?
Before this match, Babar had scored just 16 off 22 balls against Sri Lanka and was dismissed for a duck against Zimbabwe in the previous game. His 74 off 52 balls was his first fifty in 11 T20I innings and his highest score since March 2024. The strike rate of 142.31 was his best in any T20I innings since 2022, signaling a full return to form.
Who holds the record for most T20I half-centuries now?
Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are now tied at 38 T20I half-centuries each. Kohli, who retired from T20Is after the 2024 World T20, was the sole record holder since 2021. Babar reached the mark in 87 innings, while Kohli needed 114. Among active players, Babar now leads in both rate and consistency.
What impact does this win have on Pakistan’s T20 World Cup chances?
This victory boosts Pakistan’s confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Winning a tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka—both ranked in the top 10—proves they can dominate under pressure. Babar’s resurgence and the middle-order depth shown by Farhan and Fakhar suggest a balanced, dangerous lineup. They’re now considered serious contenders.
Why was Babar Azam dropped earlier this year?
After a string of low scores in 2024—including three ducks in five innings—the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) temporarily dropped him from the T20 squad to make room for younger players like Mohammad Rizwan and Abdullah Shafique. He was recalled only after strong domestic performances and public pressure. His performance against Zimbabwe was his first international fifty since June 2024.
How did the Rawalpindi pitch influence the match?
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch offered early assistance to pacers but flattened out after the powerplay, favoring batsmen. Spinners struggled to contain runs after the 10th over. Pakistan’s decision to bat first paid off as the surface became easier to bat on later. Zimbabwe’s batters found it harder to rotate strike under pressure, leading to their collapse.
What’s the significance of Babar matching Kohli’s record?
Matching Kohli’s record places Babar in the same elite category as the most consistent T20I batsmen ever. Kohli’s 38 half-centuries came in a more competitive era with stronger bowling attacks. Babar’s ability to do it faster—with a higher strike rate—suggests he’s redefining modern T20 opening. It’s not just a statistical tie; it’s a passing of the torch.