Pakistan captain Babar Azam has set a new benchmark in limited-overs cricket by becoming the national team’s leading catcher in T20 Internationals. His recent performance has also pushed him past former captain Shahid Afridi in overall catches across all formats, placing him third among Pakistan’s top fielders in international cricket history.
Babar Breaks T20 Catch Record
The milestone came during the final of the ongoing tri-nation series in Lahore. The discussion around Babar Azam’s return to Pakistan’s T20 squad has also intensified in recent weeks, where Pakistan faced Sri Lanka. Babar delivered an exceptional fielding display, taking three crucial catches. These included the dismissal of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the match with 59 runs, along with catches to remove Kamil Mishara and Pawan Rathnayake.
With these efforts, Babar’s T20I catch tally rose to 60, overtaking Fakhar Zaman, who has 57, and seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik with 50 catches. His new record now places him at the top of Pakistan’s T20 catching charts, highlighting his consistency and athleticism in the outfield.
Fielding has long been considered an area where Pakistan has struggled, especially compared with teams like Australia and South Africa. Therefore, Babar’s steady improvement reflects a broader focus within the squad to enhance fitness, reaction time, and ground fielding skills.
Moves Past Afridi in Overall International Catches
Babar’s achievement extends beyond the shortest format. With a total of 170 catches in 337 matches and 389 innings, he has moved past Shahid Afridi’s tally of 167 international catches. This shift places him third in Pakistan’s all-time list, a remarkable feat for a player still in his prime.
The top spot remains with legendary batter Younis Khan, who took 281 catches in 408 matches. Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq holds second place with 194 catches in 495 matches. Both players spent long stretches fielding in slip positions, which traditionally offer more catching opportunities. Babar, meanwhile, often fields in the ring or boundary, making many of his catches more athletic in nature.
Significance for Pakistan Cricket
Babar Azam is widely recognised for his batting prowess, ranking consistently among the world’s top players across formats. However, his growing fielding record adds another dimension to his leadership profile.
Pakistani cricket has historically faced criticism for inconsistent fielding. Dropped catches have influenced match outcomes on several occasions, including major ICC tournaments. In recent years, the Pakistan Cricket Board has invested more resources in fitness camps, specialist fielding coaches and data-driven performance analysis. Babar’s improvement appears to reflect this collective effort.
Moreover, his achievement offers an encouraging example for younger players in the national setup. In leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), domestic players often highlight the importance of modern fielding standards. Babar’s consistency reinforces that fielding can be as valuable as batting or bowling in tight T20 contests.
A Milestone That Sets New Expectations
The reaction among Pakistani fans has been overwhelmingly positive. Many supporters on social media celebrated Babar’s record-breaking performance, noting that it adds another milestone to a career already filled with batting accolades.
For the national side, the milestone arrives at an important time. Pakistan is preparing for upcoming international commitments, including major ICC events. Improved fielding often becomes a deciding factor in high-pressure knockout matches. Babar’s form may inspire the rest of the squad to elevate their own standards.
While individual records seldom win matches alone, they reflect broader shifts within a team’s culture. Babar’s rise as Pakistan’s leading T20 catcher and his move up the all-format rankings demonstrate both personal dedication and the team’s ongoing emphasis on excellence in fielding.
As Pakistan continues to reshape its cricketing identity, achievements like these serve as markers of progress — and reminders that modern cricket demands complete, well-rounded athletes.
