Pakistan’s top 5 left-handed batters with most runs in international cricket ft. Fakhar Zaman

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In the Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE, Fakhar Zaman achieved a significant career milestone by surpassing the 6,000-run mark in international cricket. This accomplishment cemented his place as just the fourth left-handed batter from Pakistan to reach this remarkable feat across all three formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).

Since his debut in 2017, Zaman has been a mainstay at the top of the order, known for his explosive and aggressive batting style. He joins an elite list of Pakistani left-handed legends who have accumulated over 6,000 international runs, a group that includes the iconic Saeed Anwar. This milestone is a testament to his consistency and ability to deliver impactful performances, building on other notable achievements in his career, such as being the first Pakistani to score a double-century in ODIs.

1. Saeed Anwar (12,876 Runs)

Anwar is a true icon of Pakistani cricket and their most successful left-handed batter. Over a career from 1989 to 2003, he was a stylish and elegant opener, renowned for his exquisite timing and wristy shots. He excelled in both formats, amassing 4,052 runs in 55 Test matches at an average of 45.52, including 11 centuries. In One-Day Internationals, he was a dominant force, scoring 8,824 runs in 247 matches with an average of 39.21 and a strike rate of 80.67. He famously held the world record for the highest individual ODI score with his breathtaking 194 against India in 1997. His 20 ODI centuries are a testament to his class and consistency.

2. Aamer Sohail (7,603 Runs)

An aggressive and combative opener, Aamer Sohail was a key player for Pakistan from 1990 to 2000. He was a crucial member of the 1992 World Cup-winning team and known for his fierce partnerships with Anwar. In 47 Test matches, he scored 2,823 runs at an average of 35.29, with a highest score of 205. In 156 ODIs, he made 4,780 runs at an average of 31.87. Overall, he registered a combined total of 10 centuries and 44 half-centuries in his international career.

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3. Wasim Akram (6,615 Runs)

Known as the ‘Sultan of Swing,’ Wasim Akram is one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, but his contributions with the bat were also significant. A dangerous lower-order bater, he played from 1984 to 2003. He scored 2,898 runs in 104 Test matches, including a stunning highest score of 257 not out, which remains a world record for a number eight batter. In ODIs, he added another 3,717 runs from 356 matches. His career batting tally includes 3 centuries and 13 fifties, often scored at a crucial juncture to change the momentum of a game.

4. Fakhar Zaman (6,037 Runs)

Fakhar is an explosive left-handed opener who has been a constant presence in the Pakistan lineup since his debut in 2017. He rose to fame with a match-winning century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India. A player known for his high strike rate, he is the first and only Pakistani to score a double-century in ODIs, a remarkable knock of 210 not out. In his international career so far, he has amassed 6,037 runs, including 11 centuries and 32 half-centuries, showcasing his ability to provide rapid starts for the team.

5. Salman Butt (5,209 Runs)

A technically sound and compact opening batter, Salman Butt‘s career spanned from 2003 to 2010. He was a consistent performer at the top of the order, particularly in ODI cricket. He played 33 Test matches, scoring 1,889 runs at an average of 30.47 with 3 centuries. In 78 ODIs, he made 2,725 runs at an impressive average of 36.82, with 8 centuries. Overall, he scored a total of 11 centuries and 27 half-centuries in his international career before it was tragically cut short.

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