Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has achieved another significant milestone in his illustrious T20 career. During a Big Bash League (BBL) match on Thursday, January 1, 2026, he equaled a major batting record held by England's Jos Buttler.
A Historic Knock at Docklands Stadium
Playing for the Sydney Sixers against the Melbourne Renegades at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium, Babar played a match-winning innings. He remained not out on 58 runs from 46 balls, guiding his team to a six-wicket victory. His composed knock included four boundaries and a six over extra cover as the Sixers successfully chased down a target of 165 with five balls to spare.
This innings marked Babar's 97th half-century in T20 cricket, drawing him level with former England captain Jos Buttler. The achievement is even more notable considering the number of matches played. Babar reached this landmark in his 333rd T20 appearance, while Buttler took 476 matches to compile the same number of fifties.
Where Babar Stands in the All-Time List
With this feat, Babar Azam is now the joint third-highest player in terms of T20 half-centuries. The overall list is led by Australia's explosive opener David Warner, who has 113 fifties to his name. He is followed by India's modern great Virat Kohli, who has scored 105 half-centuries in the format.
Babar, who also holds the record for the most runs in T20 Internationals, has scored 11 centuries in his 333-match T20 career so far. Buttler, in comparison, has eight centuries.
Match Recap: Sixers Triumph Over Renegades
Earlier in the match, the Melbourne Renegades, batting first, posted a total of 164 for 9 in their 20 overs. Opener Josh Brown was the top scorer with a rapid 43 off just 19 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Jake Fraser-McGurk made 38, and Hassan Khan contributed 39 runs. For the Sixers, Sean Abbott was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for just 16 runs in his four overs, a performance that earned him the Player of the Match award. Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batter, Muhammad Rizwan, had a quiet game, scoring only six runs for the Renegades.
In the run chase, Babar Azam anchored the innings brilliantly. He received valuable support from Daniel Hughes, who scored 30 off 23 balls. The chase was finished in style by Joel Davies, who smashed an unbeaten 34 from only 15 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes. The Sixers reached the target in 19.1 overs, securing a convincing win to start the new year.
This record-equalling performance by Babar Azam reinforces his status as one of the finest T20 batters of his generation and a proud ambassador for Pakistani cricket on the global stage.
