Babar Azam reaches 16,000 international runs in 399 innings

Babar Azam became Pakistan's fifth cricketer to complete 16,000 runs in international cricket during the opening ODI against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The former captain reached the milestone in his 399th innings, third-fastest for Pakistan behind Mohammad Yousuf and Javed Miandad. He needed seven runs entering the match and scored 45 before being dismissed by Eshan Malinga.

India's Virat Kohli remains the fastest to the landmark, achieving it in 350 innings. Babar has now joined Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan in Pakistan's 16,000-run club across all formats. Pakistan are hosting Sri Lanka and England in a seven-match ODI tri-series that concludes with a final in Lahore on October 31.

The 32-year-old reached the mark with a series of drives through the off side after Saim Ayub fell early in Pakistan's innings. Babar has been in strong form in the longer formats this year despite Pakistan's inconsistent results.