🏏 Babar Azam Achieves Historic 3,000 WTC Runs Milestone in Lahore Test
Cricket fans at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore witnessed history as Babar Azam, Pakistan’s modern-day batting genius, etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Pakistani to score 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
The 30-year-old accomplished this remarkable feat during the first Test of the Pakistan vs South Africa series (October 2025) — a moment that not only electrified the crowd but also reaffirmed Babar’s stature among the world’s finest Test batters.
🇵🇰 The Milestone Moment ✨
Babar Azam entered the Test match just two runs short of the 3,000-run mark in the World Test Championship cycle. Early in his innings, he calmly guided a delivery from Senuran Muthusamy past mid-wicket for a double — bringing up a landmark that no other Pakistani batter had ever achieved in the WTC era.
Fans in Lahore erupted in celebration, waving flags and chanting “Babar! Babar!” as the scoreboard lit up with the historic number: 3,000 WTC runs.
With this achievement, Babar joined an elite club of world-class cricketers — Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley, Travis Head, and Usman Khawaja — who have all crossed the 3,000-run threshold in WTC history.
📊 Babar Azam’s WTC Record Breakdown
Let’s look at Babar’s WTC journey that led him to this iconic moment:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Test Championship | 37 | 3,012+ | 48.50 | 8 | 18 | 196 |
Babar’s consistency has been remarkable, especially in pressure situations where Pakistan needed stability. His conversion rate (fifties to hundreds) in the WTC ranks among the top five globally, and his average of nearly 50 is a testament to his adaptability across conditions.
🧠 What Makes Babar Azam Special in Tests?
Impeccable Technique:
Babar’s cover drives have become a trademark. His ability to time the ball, even on slow or turning tracks, separates him from others.
Composure Under Pressure:
Whether it’s chasing in the fourth innings or rebuilding after early wickets, Babar remains calm — an invaluable quality for a Test leader.
Consistency Across Continents:
From Manchester’s swing to Rawalpindi’s spin, Babar has proven his mettle everywhere, scoring runs in Australia, England, Sri Lanka, and now once again at home.
🏟️ Lahore Test 2025: Match Summary
The Pakistan vs South Africa first Test began with intense energy at the Gaddafi Stadium. South Africa’s bowlers struck early when Abdullah Shafique fell for 2 runs in the very first over.
However, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq revived the innings with a strong 161-run partnership, giving the home side momentum. Imam’s patient 93 and Shan’s fluent 76 set the stage for Babar’s entry.
When Babar walked in, the scoreboard read 163/2, and fans sensed something special. Within minutes, the skipper was driving elegantly through the covers and pulling short balls confidently.
It was during this phase that he achieved the 3,000-run WTC milestone, adding yet another feather to his already illustrious cap.
⚡ Pakistan’s Batting Display
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdullah Shafique | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | LBW Rabada |
| Imam-ul-Haq | 93 | 172 | 12 | 1 | c. Verreynne b. Muthusamy |
| Shan Masood (C) | 76 | 147 | 9 | 1 | b. Subrayen |
| Babar Azam | 42* | 78 | 6 | 0 | Not Out |
| Saud Shakeel | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | b. Muthusamy |
At 199/4 by tea, Pakistan’s innings was steady but slightly dented by Senuran Muthusamy’s double strike that removed Imam and Saud in quick succession.
🌍 WTC Standings and What This Means
Babar’s milestone comes at a crucial moment — Pakistan’s first series in the new 2025–27 WTC cycle.
With the home advantage, Pakistan are eyeing full points in the two-match series to start their campaign strongly. The Lahore Test not only has personal significance for Babar but also represents a symbolic restart for Pakistan cricket after recent overseas struggles.
If Pakistan secure a win in this series, it will boost their WTC points percentage and help them build momentum toward the 2027 WTC Final qualification.
💬 Expert Reactions and Cricketory Insights
🗣️ Cricketory Insight 1: Babar’s Leadership & Legacy
Babar Azam’s ability to perform under pressure has redefined leadership in Pakistani cricket. Analysts at Cricketory note that his batting consistency mirrors that of Joe Root’s early WTC years — technically perfect and mentally resilient.
“He’s evolving from a run-machine into a record-breaking leader,” said a Cricketory expert.
🧩 Cricketory Insight 2: South Africa’s Spin Gamble
The Proteas included two spinners — Muthusamy and Subrayen — in their XI, a bold decision for subcontinent conditions. While it paid off with Muthusamy’s late strikes, they struggled to contain the scoring early on, highlighting Pakistan’s growing comfort against spin at home.
📈 Cricketory Insight 3: Imam’s Return Sparks Stability
Imam-ul-Haq’s return to red-ball cricket after over a year proved valuable. His slow but sure approach gave Pakistan a much-needed platform for their middle order to build upon.
🔥 The Significance of Babar’s 3,000 WTC Runs
Babar’s feat holds immense value — not just statistically, but emotionally for Pakistan fans.
- He becomes the first Pakistani to join the global elite club of 3,000+ WTC run-scorers.
- His consistency across formats showcases his adaptability — from power-hitting in T20Is to patience in Tests.
- It underlines Pakistan’s revival in the longer format under a player who combines elegance with efficiency.
🧮 How Babar Compares to Other WTC Giants
| Player | Country | WTC Runs | Matches | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Root | England | 6,080 | 70 | 52.3 |
| Steve Smith | Australia | 4,278 | 52 | 53.9 |
| Ben Stokes | England | 3,616 | 59 | 44.2 |
| Marnus Labuschagne | Australia | 4,225 | 47 | 49.5 |
| Travis Head | Australia | 3,300 | 43 | 47.2 |
| Usman Khawaja | Australia | 3,288 | 41 | 48.1 |
| Zak Crawley | England | 3,041 | 48 | 41.7 |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 3,012 | 37 | 48.5 |
With fewer matches played than most, Babar’s numbers speak volumes about his consistency and class.
🧠 What Lies Ahead for Babar and Pakistan
Pakistan’s next challenge will be the second Test in Rawalpindi (October 20–24), followed by a three-match T20I series and three ODIs against the Proteas.
If Babar maintains his form, he could soon surpass Travis Head and Usman Khawaja in the WTC run charts — moving closer to the top five.
Cricketory analysts also predict that with his current form, Babar could cross 4,000 WTC runs by 2026, making him one of the fastest to achieve it.
📺 Broadcast & Streaming Info (2025 Pakistan–South Africa Series)
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | A Sports, Ten Sports | Tamasha, Tapmad |
| South Africa | SuperSport | DStv App |
| India | Star Sports (Likely) | FanCode (Likely) |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow App |
| Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo, Foxtel |
| Global | ICC.tv | ICC.tv (Restrictions Apply) |
🤔 FAQs About Babar Azam’s 3,000 WTC Runs
Q1: When did Babar Azam reach 3,000 runs in the WTC?
👉 During the first Test against South Africa in October 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.Q2: How many matches did Babar take to reach the milestone?
👉 He reached 3,000 runs in his 37th WTC match.Q3: Who are the other players with over 3,000 runs in the WTC?
👉 Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes, Travis Head, Zak Crawley, and Usman Khawaja.Q4: Is Babar the first Pakistani to achieve this record?
👉 Yes, he is the first-ever Pakistani to reach 3,000 WTC runs.Q5: What’s next for Babar in Test cricket?
👉 He aims to lead Pakistan to victory in the WTC 2025–27 cycle and break into the top five WTC run-scorers worldwide.🏁 Final Thoughts
Babar Azam’s 3,000-run milestone in the World Test Championship isn’t just a number — it’s a statement. It defines his growth as a player, a captain, and a national icon.
From being Pakistan’s young prodigy to becoming one of the pillars of world Test batting, Babar’s journey continues to inspire millions.
As Pakistan’s WTC campaign begins anew, one thing is certain — with Babar at the helm, the future of Pakistani Test cricket looks brighter than ever.