The cricketing world witnessed history on April 9, 2026, at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, as Pakistan’s batting maestro Babar Azam etched his name into the record books. During a high-octane Pakistan Super League (PSL) clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, the Zalmi captain became the fastest player in the history of the sport to reach the 12,000-run milestone in T20 cricket.

Surpassing legends like Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, Babar Azam’s achievement is a testament to his unparalleled consistency and technical brilliance in the shortest format of the game.

The Milestone Moment: How Babar Shattered the Record

Entering the match needing only 13 runs to reach the landmark, Babar Azam wasted no time. In the fourth over of the first innings, he dispatched a delivery from Khushdil Shah for a towering six, crossing the 12,000-run mark in just his 338th innings.

Surpassing the “Universe Boss”

Before this historic night, the record was held by the legendary West Indian opener Chris Gayle, who reached 12,000 runs in 343 innings. Babar achieved the feat in five fewer innings, highlighting his rapid ascent as a global T20 icon. India’s Virat Kohli follows in third place, having taken 360 innings to reach the same milestone.

Dominating the Karachi Kings

The record-breaking moment was just the beginning of Babar’s masterclass. He finished the innings unbeaten on 87 off 51 balls*, striking 10 boundaries and two sixes. His partnership of 191 runs with Kusal Mendis propelled Peshawar Zalmi to a massive total of 246/3, eventually leading to a crushing 159-run victory as Karachi Kings were bundled out for a mere 87.

Fastest to 12,000 Runs in T20 Cricket (By Innings)

*Estimated based on career trajectory into 2026.

The Ultimate Sports Live Hub: Streaming on SLH

Don’t miss a moment of Babar Azam’s record-breaking season! For fans looking for a reliable hub sports live stream, SLH (Sports Live Hub) is the premier destination for all PSL 2026 matches. Our platform offers high-definition sport hub live streaming with zero latency, ensuring you catch every boundary and milestone in real-time.

Whether you are on your mobile or desktop, you can watch sports live for free on SLH. Stay updated with the latest match reports, live scorecards, and exclusive analysis as the race for the PSL 11 trophy intensifies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When did Babar Azam reach 12,000 T20 runs?

Babar Azam reached the 12,000-run milestone on April 9, 2026, during a PSL match against Karachi Kings in Karachi.

2. Who held the record before Babar Azam?

The record was previously held by Chris Gayle, who reached 12,000 T20 runs in 343 innings. Babar broke it by reaching the mark in 338 innings.

3. How many Pakistanis have scored 12,000 T20 runs?

Babar Azam is only the second Pakistani batter to cross the 12,000-run threshold, joining the veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik.

4. How many runs did Babar score in his record-breaking match?

Babar Azam scored an unbeaten 87 runs off 51 deliveries, leading his team, Peshawar Zalmi, to a dominant victory.

5. Where can I watch PSL 2026 live streams for free?

You can access a high-quality hub sports live stream and watch sports live for free through the SLH platform for all remaining PSL and international matches.