Fastest to 100 fifties in T20 cricket: Babar Azam breaks Virat Kohli’s record

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Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam continues to redefine consistency in T20 cricket, and his latest achievement has placed him in elite company. During PSL 2026, the Pakistani star created history by becoming the fastest batter to score 100 half-centuries in T20s, surpassing a long-standing record held by Virat Kohli.

The milestone came during Zalmi’s clash against Quetta Gladiators at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. In doing so, Babar reached the landmark in just 341 innings – an incredible feat that highlights both his longevity and consistency at the highest level.

To put things into perspective, Kohli had taken 401 innings to reach the same milestone, making Babar’s achievement even more remarkable. The numbers underline how dominant he has been in the format over the years, steadily building a reputation as one of the most reliable performers in T20 cricket.

This achievement also places him among a select group of players who have managed to reach 100 T20 fifties. Joining names like David Warner and Jos Buttler, Babar has now carved his place among the modern greats of the format. Notably, he is also the first Pakistani batter to reach this milestone, adding further significance to the record.

While the record itself grabbed headlines, Babar’s performance in the match was equally impressive. Chasing a target of 155, he anchored the innings with a composed and controlled knock, finishing unbeaten on 71 off 51 balls.

The innings was a perfect example of his batting style – calm, calculated and effective. With 10 boundaries, Babar ensured the scoreboard kept moving without taking unnecessary risks. His approach allowed Zalmi to stay firmly on track throughout the chase.

He was well supported by Mohammad Haris, who scored a quick 35 off 28 balls. Together, they stitched a crucial 75-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for a comfortable chase. Babar brought up his half-century in 37 balls, marking his third fifty of the season.

From there, it was smooth sailing. He guided the team to victory with ease, sealing an eight-wicket win with nine balls remaining. The innings was not just about numbers – it was about control, timing and leadership under pressure.

For Babar, who has been looking to re-establish himself in Pakistan’s T20 setup, this knock came at the perfect time. It was a reminder of his ability to lead from the front and deliver when it matters most.

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This record-breaking performance is just another highlight in what has been an outstanding PSL season for Babar Azam. So far, he has accumulated 301 runs in six matches, maintaining an impressive average of 75.25. His consistency has placed him among the top run-scorers in the tournament.

What makes this run even more special is that it comes shortly after another major milestone. Babar recently became the fastest batter to reach 12,000 T20 runs, achieving the feat in just 338 innings. In doing so, he surpassed legends like Chris Gayle and Kohli, further cementing his legacy in the format.

Babar’s performances have also played a key role in Zalmi’s strong position in the tournament. With the team sitting comfortably at the top of the standings, his leadership and form have been crucial to their success.

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