Rawalpindi, Pakistan: Pakistani skipper and star batter Babar Azam is on the cusp of creating a new world record in One Day Internationals, as the stylish batter is only 187 runs away from amassing 5,000 runs in less than 100 ODIs.
At present, Azam has 4813 runs from 95 ODIs, laced with 17 centuries at an impressive batting average of 60.
Former South African batter Hashim Amla holds the world record to be the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs in 104 matches, 101 innings.
The stylish batter achieved the milestone in his 101st ODI innings in January 2015 in the first match during the West Indies’ tour of South Africa. The former right-handed opening batter also holds the record for the fastest to 6,000 and 7,000 ODI runs. Only Babar Azam threatens to break Amla’s record.
Pakistan drew the 5-match T2OI series (2-2) against New Zealand in home conditions. After the 5-match T20 series, the two teams will feature in a 5-match ODI series.
The ODI series will provide a golden opportunity to Azam to break Amla’s record and create a new one. India’s Virat Kohli crossed the 5,000-run barrier in 120 ODIs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Babar Azam could become the world’s first batter to score 5,000 ODI runs in less than 100 matches.