Cricket News
Fastest batters to reach 10k runs in T20s, ft. Virat Kohli
Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam is the latest entrant in the elite club.
In the dynamic world of T20 cricket, the quest for milestones intensifies as batters race against time to etch their names in record books. This article delves into the electrifying realm of T20s, focusing on the remarkable feat of batters who have accelerated their way to 10,000 runs, setting the stage for an enthralling statistical analysis.
The shortest format’s explosive nature has witnessed an influx of aggressive stroke-makers. As we explore the elite club of batters breaching the 10,000-run milestone, we unravel the narratives of speed, precision, and unparalleled skill that define these cricketing maestros in the race to T20 supremacy.
#5. Aaron Finch (327 innings)
Former Australian cricketer Aaron Finch has etched his name as the fifth-fastest batter to reach 10,000 runs in T20s, achieving the milestone in 327 innings. Finch’s standout performance came in the 17th match of the BBL 2021 when he scored 68 runs off 43 balls against the Perth Scorchers.
Renowned for his explosive batting style, Finch has represented an impressive 16 teams throughout his T20 career. He has amassed a total of 7,734 runs in 261 innings across various leagues, including the IPL and BBL. Finch boasts 3,120 runs in 103 innings in the international arena, featuring two centuries in a remarkable T20 career.
#4. David Warner (303 innings)
Renowned for his explosive batting, David Warner has etched his name as the fourth-fastest batter to reach the 10,000-run milestone in T20s, achieving the feat in a mere 303 innings. The Australian opener showcased his prowess in the 23rd match of IPL 2021. Donning the Sunrisers Hyderabad colours, he scored 57 runs off 55 balls against the Chennai Super Kings.
Warner’s T20 career has been nothing short of spectacular, amassing 7,916 runs in 231 innings across various leagues, featuring seven centuries. His international T20 endeavours reflect 3,099 runs in 103 innings, further solidifying Warner’s status as a dynamic force at the crease.
#3. Virat Kohli (299 innings)
Star India batter Virat Kohli’s T20 career reached new heights when he scored 10,000 runs in T20 cricket. He currently holds the title of the third-fastest batter to amass 10,000 runs in this high-octane format, achieving the milestone in a mere 299 innings. The iconic moment he has occurred during the 39th match of the IPL 2021 season.
Kohli, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showcased his batting prowess by scoring 51 runs off 42 balls against the Mumbai Indians. Known for his consistency and remarkable chasing abilities, Kohli’s journey in T20s exemplifies his dedication to mastering the craft, making him a trailblazer in the realm of modern cricket.
#2. Chris Gayle (285 innings)
Cricket’s colossal entertainer, Chris Gayle, finds his name in the record books for various reasons. As the second-fastest batter to reach the 10,000-run milestone in T20s, he accomplished the feat in a mere 285 innings. The towering West Indian showcased his explosive prowess during the 2017 IPL, where he plundered 77 runs off 38 balls against the Gujarat Lions while donning the Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey.
The Universe Boss has been a T20 mercenary, featuring in over 20 teams and amassing an impressive 11,426 runs in 348 IPL innings, including 18 centuries. Globally, Gayle reigns supreme with the highest T20 run tally and centuries, solidifying his legendary status in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket.
#1. Babar Azam (271 innings)
Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s T20 career reached a historic pinnacle as he emerged as the fastest batter to reach 10,000 runs. Achieving this milestone during a Pakistan Super League match for Peshawar Zalmi against Karachi Kings, Babar became the 13th player to join the elite club. He accomplished the feat in a mere 271 innings.
He made his T20 debut in December 2012 as an off-spinner for the Lahore Eagles against the Hyderabad Hawks. Babar’s transformative journey to becoming one of his generation’s greatest batters is extraordinary. He now stands as the fourth Asian player to achieve this milestone, following the footsteps of compatriot Shoaib Malik and Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Malik leading the tally.