Babar Azam becomes fastest to score 5000 ODI runs: Is he becoming the greatest batsman of this era-Distinct View

The Pakistan cricket team is currently playing a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. In the 4th ODI, captain Babar Azam reached a special feat and left behind Hashim Amla, Sir Vivian Richards, and Virat Kohli to top the list.

Babar Azam completed his 5000 runs in ODIs as soon as he scored his 19th run in the fourth ODI against the Kiwis. He has become the fastest player to complete reach the 5000-run mark.

Babar achieved the feat in just 97 innings. Earlier, the record of completing the fastest 5000 runs in ODI cricket was held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla who reached the milestone in 101 innings. On the other hand, India’s Virat Kohli played 114 innings to achieve the feat.

Babar surpassed South Africa’s legendary batter Hashim Amla to reach the landmark in the fewest number of innings. The 28-year-old took just 97 innings to amass 5000 ODI runs, four innings fewer than the previous record of 101 innings held by Amla.

Meanwhile, he left behind greats on the list including West Indies’ Sir Vivian Richards and Indian star Virat Kohli, who both took 114 innings to reach the mark. It is worth mentioning here that the No.1-ranked ODI batter was also the second-fastest to gather 4,000 runs in ODI cricket. He fell one short of Hashim Amla’s 81 innings when he reached that mark in the first ODI against Australia in Lahore last year.

Babar raced to his next 1000 runs in only 15 innings to make sure he overtakes Amla this time. The right-hander claimed the feat when he completed his 19th run while Pakistan were 86/1 in the 17th over of their innings.

Pakistan clinch top spot in ODI ranking for the first time

Pakistan beat New Zealand by 102 runs on Friday in Karachi, to take a 4-0 lead in the ongoing five-match ODI series.

After defeating the Kiwis in the fourth ODI, Pakistan have now climbed up to the number one spot in the ODI team rankings for the first time, since ICC officially recognised the rankings in January 2005. They have bettered their number-three ranking they had achieved in January 2007.

Pakistan were fifth on the ODI rankings before the series started with a rating of 106.

The Men in Green now have rating of 113.483, going past Australia (113.286) and India (112.638). 

However, to remain on top, Pakistan will have to ensure a clean sweep, winning the fifth and final ODI on Sunday, 7 May. A loss in the final ODI will see them slipping back to No.3 and Australia reclaiming their No.1 ranking.

Nine years ago Babar Azam was selected for Pakistan’s national camp in 2014. Ranked as the World’s top batter today, Babar Azam’s achievements are a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work and are sure to inspire young cricketers around the world.