PAK vs NZ: Babar Azam surpasses Joe Root to become leading Test run-scorer in 2022

Babar Azam, on Monday, December 26, became the leading run-scorer in Test cricket in 2022. The right-handed batter went past former England Test captain Joe Root, who has scored 1098 runs from 15 matches at an average of 45.75 with five centuries and two half-centuries to his name.

Babar got to the milestone in only his 16th innings in nine Tests. Babar accomplished the feat on Day 1 of Pakistan’s opening Test against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Babar also happens to be the leading run-scorer in international cricket in 2022. The right-handed batter is also the only batter to have scored over 2000 runs this year at the highest level. Second in the list is Bangladesh’s Litton Das, who finished with 1921 runs.

In the ongoing Karachi Test,



Babar came to bat after Pakistan lost two early wickets of Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood to Ajaz Patel and Michael Bracewell respectively.

Imam-ul-Haq also perished while trying to take on Bracewell. From there on, Babar put his head down and steadied the ship for the home team. He joined hands with Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made his return to Test cricket after nearly four years.

Babar got to his half-century off 76 balls and didn’t allow the New Zealand bowlers to settle down. In the second innings, Babar got to his ninth Test hundred off 161 balls and he reached there in style with a six off Bracewell.

It also happened to be Babar’s second Test hundred against New Zealand. Babar also scored his fourth Test hundred this year, the most by any captain in 2022.