Babar Azam breaks MS Dhoni's T20 World Cup record as captain in just 17 innings but Kane Williamson may surpass him within 24 hours

Arun Rawal

• Mon • 17 Jun 2024

MS Dhoni (left), Babar Azam (centre) and Kane Williamson (right) (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Babar Azam is now the leading run-scorer as captain in T20 World Cups.

Babar's record may be short-lived if Kane Williamson scores 23 runs against Papua New Guinea.

Pakistan registered a consolation win over Ireland after they were knocked out of T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 race. While Pakistan team has faced flak for their dismal show in the marquee event, skipper Babar Azam achieved a personal milestone during the nervy run chase against Ireland at Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida on June 16. Babar broke legendary MS Dhoni’s record of most runs as captain in T20 World Cup history.

Dhoni has 529 runs from 29 innings in T20 World Cups at an average of 35.26 and strike rate of 123.88. Babar surpassed him with an unbeaten 34-ball 32 in the run chase of 107. He has 549 runs from 17 innings at an average of 36.60 including half-centuries. His strike rate is 111.35.

Williamson to break record?

However, Babar may not enjoy the top spot for long as New Zealand captain Kane Williamson needs just 23 runs against Papua New Guinea to reach the summit. Williamson has 527 runs from 19 innings at an average of 31 including two fifties. His strike rate of 111.65 is slightly better than Williamson.

Whether the record stays with Williamson or Babar, it may remain unbroken for a long time. Both Williamson and Babar are unlikely to captain their respective sides in T20 World Cup 2026.

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Other current captains on list

From the current list of captains, the next player on the list is Namibia’s Gerhard Erasmus. Namibia have been knocked out of the ongoing edition as well. 29-year-old Erasmus has 305 runs from 15 innings at an average of 23.46 including two fifties. His strike rate is 102.69. The next captain on the list is defending champions England's Jos Buttler. The wicketkeeper-batter has 291 runs from just nine innings at an average of 41.57 including two fifties. His strike rate of 148.46 is the best among captains with 200 or more runs in T20 World Cups.

ALSO READ: 'When he bats, dressing room is...': Harbhajan Singh reveals India’s biggest match-winner in T20 World Cup

Kohli, Rohit chasing Babar

Meanwhile, Azam extended his lead over Indian openers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Babar has 4,145 runs in T20Is, 103 more than Kohli and Rohit.

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