Babar Azam Breaks Shahid Afridi’s T20I Record

Pakistan’s opening game of the T20I tri-series saw Babar Azam break another record for the team, but unlike his many other achievements, he did not want to be associated with this landmark.

Coming into the series with a few runs under his belt, Babar walked out at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium during Pakistan’s chase with expectations as high as ever. Three balls later, he was back in the dugout — trapped on the crease by Brad Evans, whose length delivery jagged in sharply and thudded into Babar’s back pad.

That dismissal not only halted his momentum, it also pushed him past a record no elite batter wants attached to their name. The three-ball duck was Babar Azam’s ninth in T20Is, meaning he now has the second-most zero scores for his nation, placing him behind only Umar Akmal and Saim Ayub on Pakistan’s all-time list.

For a player who has built his reputation on consistency and reliability, this is an odd and unwanted chapter in an otherwise glittering record.

Most T20I Ducks for Pakistan:

Babar’s T20I journey has been turbulent over the last year. After leading Pakistan through three T20 World Cup campaigns, he fell out of favour following the away series in South Africa in December. That omission extended into the Asia Cup 2025 squad, where Pakistan shifted heavily toward youth. His recall for the home series against South Africa earlier this month was seen as a fresh opportunity — and he delivered to some extent.

Yet the opening match of the tri-series served as a reminder that he has yet to rediscover his best form.

Despite the early blow, Pakistan will hope Babar quickly regains rhythm as the tri-series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka unfolds. His experience remains invaluable as the team edges closer to finalising combinations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next year.

For now, though, Rawalpindi will remember the night Babar Azam’s name unexpectedly moved up a record list no batter wants to top.