Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has added another major milestone to his name by becoming the country’s leading catcher in T20 internationals. His latest performance not only put him ahead of Fakhar Zaman in the T20 catches list but also moved him past legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi in Pakistan’s overall international catches ranking.
How Babar Broke the Record
Brilliant Fielding Display in the Tri-Series Final
During the final of the tri-nation series against Sri Lanka, Babar delivered one of the finest fielding performances of his career. He held on to three difficult chances under pressure, helping Pakistan control key moments in the match.
Three Crucial Catches
Babar’s safe hands removed three important Sri Lankan batters:
- Kusal Mendis, dismissed early when he tried to play an aggressive stroke.
- Kamal Mishara, Sri Lanka’s top scorer with 59 runs, caught during a turning point in the match.
- Pawan Rathnayake, taken with another clean grab that lifted the team’s confidence.
These catches pushed Babar to a new national record.
Babar Azam’s New T20 Benchmark
With 60 catches in 136 T20 matches, Babar now holds the top spot for Pakistan in this category. His consistency and sharp reflexes have made him one of the most reliable fielders in modern cricket.
The Updated Top-Five List
Here is the revised list of Pakistan’s top catch-takers in T20 internationals:
- Babar Azam – 60 catches in 136 matches
- Fakhar Zaman – 57 catches in 114 matches
- Shoaib Malik – 50 catches
- Shadab Khan – 40 catches in 112 matches
- Umar Akmal – 39 catches in 64 matches
Moving Ahead of Shahid Afridi Overall
This achievement also allowed Babar to leapfrog Shahid Afridi in Pakistan’s all-format catches list. He now ranks third overall among Pakistani players for the most international catches in Tests, ODIs, and T20s combined.
A Growing Legacy
Babar’s rise as a world-class fielder adds another layer to his already impressive cricketing journey. Known mainly for his batting excellence, he is steadily building a complete all-round legacy, proving his value in every department of the game.
Final Thoughts
Babar Azam’s new record is a reminder of his dedication, fitness, and sharp cricketing instincts. As he continues to break barriers and set new standards, Pakistan cricket fans have even more reasons to celebrate his progress. This latest milestone highlights not just his batting mastery, but also his growing status as one of the most dependable fielders in world cricket.
