T20 World Cup history: Top three run-getters for Pakistan

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is currently underway across India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8. Pakistan entered the tournament with confidence after securing a three-match T20I series victory over Australia. Their 2024 campaign, however, ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage following a few crucial defeats. With a refreshed squad and renewed intent, Pakistan will be determined to make a stronger impact this time.

They are placed in Group A alongside India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. The side is led by Salman Ali Agha, while the batting unit features experienced and explosive names such as Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Saim Ayub. In familiar Asian conditions, Pakistan’s batters will look to capitalise on their experience and adaptability to post imposing totals and guide the team deep into the tournament.

Here is a look at the top three run-getters for Pakistan in T20 World Cup history:

Shoaib Malik

Shoaib Malik enjoyed a long and versatile international career spanning nearly two decades. Although primarily regarded as a batting all-rounder, he began his career as an off-spin bowler before establishing himself as a dependable middle-order batter. Malik’s adaptability was one of his greatest strengths, he opened the batting in Tests and ODIs at times and also excelled as a finisher in limited-overs cricket.

In T20 cricket, Malik’s ability to bat in multiple positions made him invaluable. His game was particularly effective in subcontinental conditions, where his controlled stroke play, strong square-of-the-wicket shots, and calculated aggression stood out. Across 124 T20Is, Malik scored 2,435 runs, including nine half-centuries. In T20 World Cups, he represented Pakistan in 34 matches, amassing 646 runs with three fifties.

Babar Azam

Babar Azam has been one of the modern pillars of Pakistan cricket. A technically sound right-handed top-order batter, he is widely admired for his elegant cover drives and composure under pressure. Babar first rose to prominence with a hat-trick of ODI centuries against the West Indies in 2016 and had earlier impressed in the Under-19 World Cups of 2010 and 2012.

In 2018, he became the fastest player to reach 1,000 T20I runs, underlining his consistency in the shortest format. Over the years, he accumulated nearly 9,000 international runs across formats within a five-year period. In 141 T20Is, Babar has scored 4,566 runs, including three centuries and 39 half-centuries. In T20 World Cup history, he has played 19 matches, scoring 610 runs at an average of 35.88.

Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan’s journey to international cricket was built on persistence and consistent domestic performances. Despite scoring heavily in domestic competitions, his national call-up came relatively late. Initially recognised more for his wicketkeeping skills, Rizwan gradually developed into one of Pakistan’s most dependable T20 batters.

From 2021 through the 2022 T20 World Cup final, Rizwan enjoyed a prolific run, scoring over 600 runs in T20Is during that period. While there have been occasional concerns regarding his strike rate, his consistency and ability to anchor innings have been vital for Pakistan. In 106 T20Is, Rizwan has scored 3,414 runs, including one century and 30 fifties. In T20 World Cups, he has featured in 17 matches, accumulating 566 runs at an impressive average of 40.42.

Pakistan squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

Pakistan schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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