Babar Azam Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record in Asia Cup 2023
Babar Azam has broken another record previously held by Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. This feat was achieved during the first match of the Asia Cup 2023 against Nepal at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Azam, who hails from Lahore, scored an impressive 151 runs off just 131 balls, including 14 boundaries and four sixes. His stellar performance led the Pakistani team to post a formidable total of 343 runs on the scoreboard.
This record-breaking innings saw Azam surpassing Virat Kohli’s highest individual score as a captain in Asia Cup history. Kohli had previously set the record with a score of 136 runs against Bangladesh in the 2014 edition of the tournament. Prior to Kohli, the record was held by another Indian cricketer, Sourav Ganguly, who scored 135* against Bangladesh in 2000.
| Batter | Score | Country | Opposition | Year |
| Babar Azam | 151 | Pakistan | Nepal | 2023 |
| Virat Kohli | 136 | India | Bangladesh | 2014 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 135* | India | Bangladesh | 2000 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga | 131* | Sri Lanka | India | 1997 |
Azam’s achievement has not only placed him at the top of the list for the highest individual scores by a captain in the Asia Cup but also brought him closer to another significant milestone. The 28-year-old right-handed batter is now just one century away from equalling the record of Saeed Anwar for the most centuries in One Day International (ODI) cricket for Pakistan.
Furthermore, Azam has made history by scoring the fastest 19 ODI hundreds, surpassing the record previously held by former South African cricketer, Hashim Amla.
This series of achievements underscores Babar Azam’s exceptional talent and his growing stature in international cricket. His performances continue to elevate Pakistan’s standing in the sport and set new benchmarks for future generations of cricketers.
