The cricketing world is buzzing as the "King of Lahore" has officially etched his name into the history books once again. In a breathtaking display of consistency and class, Babar Azam has surpassed Virat Kohli to become the batsman with the most half-centuries in T20 International history.
This milestone didn't just happen on any ordinary day. It came during the third T20I against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium on February 1, 2026, serving as a massive warning shot to opponents just days before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
The Milestone: 39 and Counting
Heading into the final match of the series against Australia, Babar Azam was tied with the legendary Virat Kohli at 38 T20I fifties. Laser247 Club With a composed, unbeaten 50 off 36 balls, Babar notched his 39th half-century, taking sole possession of the world record.
T20I Most Half-Centuries Leaderboard (as of Feb 2026):
Babar Azam (Pakistan): 39
Virat Kohli (India): 38
Rohit Sharma (India): 32
Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): 30
David Warner (Australia): 28
What makes this feat even more impressive is the context. While Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from the format following India’s 2024 World Cup triumph, Babar has continued to refine his game, maintaining a staggering average of nearly 40 in the shortest format.
A Statement of Intent
Beyond the statistics, Babar Azam made a "Big Statement" regarding his role in the team. Having faced scrutiny over his strike rate and batting position in recent years, Babar addressed his critics head-on following Pakistan’s 3-0 whitewash of Australia.
"For me, the batting position doesn’t matter as much as executing the team’s plan. Our preparation for the T20 World Cup is going really well. These matches were crucial to find our rhythm across all three departments."
His willingness to adapt—batting at No. 4 in this series to allow younger talents like Saim Ayub to flourish at the top—showcases a selfless leader focused on the ultimate prize: the 2026 World Cup trophy.
Pakistan’s Perfect Buildup
The record-breaking night was part of a larger celebration for Pakistan. The "Men in Green" dismantled Australia by 111 runs, marking Australia’s heaviest-ever defeat in T20I history.
With Mohammad Nawaz picking up a career-best 5-wicket haul and the middle order firing, Pakistan looks like a well-oiled machine. They are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, though the tournament is already clouded by the geopolitical drama of Pakistan's potential boycott of the India fixture.
The Verdict: Is Babar the T20 GOAT?
Comparing Babar to Kohli is a debate that will never end. While Kohli’s legacy in T20 World Cups remains unmatched in terms of high-pressure impact, Babar’s sheer volume of runs and consistency at the age of 31 suggests he could set a benchmark that may never be broken.
As Pakistan prepares to head to Sri Lanka and India for the global showpiece, one thing is clear: Babar Azam is in peak form, and he isn't finished yet.
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