Babar Azam vs Joe Root: Career Stats & Records: Who Leads the Modern Era

Few rivalries in modern cricket spark as much curiosity as Babar Azam vs Joe Root. Both are the heartbeat of their teams, known for their calmness under pressure and unmatched batting skills. They represent two eras that overlap, one built on elegance, the other on endurance.

Fans often ask who stands taller between them. Is it Babar, the master of timing and class? Or Root, the pillar of England’s batting through every storm? To understand this, we look beyond reputation and focus on pure facts, numbers, and the stories behind them.

This comparison brings you a clear look at Babar Azam’s career stats and Joe Root’s career stats across formats, their leadership journeys, and their influence on world cricket.

The Rise of Two Modern Greats

Babar Azam: Pakistan’s Symbol of Style and Consistency

Babar Azam’s journey began in Lahore, Pakistan. From a young age, he showed a hunger for runs. He played Under-15 cricket in 2008 and later represented Pakistan in two Under-19 World Cups. In both Under-19 tournaments, he finished as Pakistan’s top scorer.

His international debut came in 2015 against Zimbabwe, where he made an instant mark with his smooth stroke play. Soon after, he scored three consecutive ODI hundreds against West Indies in 2016, a record that made him an instant star.

What makes Babar special is his balance and timing. His cover drives are often compared to fine art. Between 2018 and 2022, he became Pakistan’s most reliable batter, scoring nearly 9000 runs across formats in five years. His hundred against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup remains one of Pakistan’s finest ODI innings.

By 2020, Babar was captain in all formats. Under his leadership, Pakistan played with more structure and belief. Even after stepping down in 2023, his influence stayed strong. Today, he remains one of the world’s most respected batters.

Joe Root: England’s Record-Breaking Run Machine

Joe Root’s story began in Sheffield, England. From early on, his batting stood out for its calmness and control. Coaches saw shades of Michael Vaughan in his front-foot play.

He made his Test debut in 2012 in Nagpur, where his patience won hearts. Soon, he was scoring centuries at Lord’s and Headingley. When England faced tough times, Root became their wall.

He went on to become England’s most prolific Test run-scorer ever, surpassing Alastair Cook. His 268 against Pakistan in Multan in 2024 and 1708 Test runs in 2021 are among his finest records.

Root also led England from 2017 to 2022. Though his captaincy had ups and downs, his class with the bat never faded. After stepping down, he rediscovered his best form, playing freely under the “Bazball” style. By 2025, he stood second on the all-time Test run list, only behind Sachin Tendulkar.

Test Cricket

In Test cricket, both Babar and Root shine for their technique and determination. Root has experience and longevity, while Babar brings grace and precision.

Here’s a clear comparison of their Test records:

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
Babar Azam	61	4366	42.38	9	30	196
Joe Root	158	13543	51.29	39	66	262

Root’s numbers show his dominance over time. He has been consistent across continents. His ability to adapt to spin and pace makes him a complete Test player.

Babar’s stats may seem smaller, but his rise came during a tougher phase for Pakistan cricket. His 196 against Australia in Karachi and his 1184 Test runs in 2022 proved his class against the best.

Root’s style is traditional, patience, timing, and mental strength. Babar plays with more flair, often turning pressure into art. Both have mastered the art of long innings, but Root’s record makes him one of the best in history.

ODIs

One-day cricket brings out the best of both batters. Each plays the role of a steady anchor who guides his team through tough moments.

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Hundreds	Fifties	Strike Rate	Highest Score
Babar Azam	134	6291	54.23	19	37	87.63	158
Joe Root	184	7303	49.01	19	43	87.72	166*

Their ODI stats are remarkably close. Both have 19 centuries. Babar edges ahead with a slightly higher average, while Root has more total runs due to his longer career.

Babar’s ability to pace an innings stands out. He often builds partnerships and finishes games calmly. His hundreds against South Africa and New Zealand show his control under pressure.

Root’s strength lies in adaptability. Whether facing spin in India or pace in Australia, he adjusts with ease. During England’s rise in white-ball cricket between 2015 and 2019, Root was the backbone. Both prove that strike rates are not everything. Consistency and control still win matches.

T20Is

In T20Is, the difference becomes clear. Root has played fewer matches, while Babar Azam is one of the format’s top run-getters.

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate	Hundreds	Fifties	Highest Score
Babar Azam	128	4223	39.83	129.22	3	36	122
Joe Root	32	893	35.72	126.30	0	5	90*

Babar’s T20 numbers are among the best globally. His calmness at the crease makes him ideal for both anchoring and accelerating. Root, though stylish, hasn’t been a regular in T20Is due to England’s aggressive lineup.

While Root remains dependable when selected, Babar’s consistency across leagues and international games keeps him ahead in this format.

Leadership and Legacy

Both Babar and Root led their national teams during challenging times. Babar became Pakistan’s all-format captain in 2020. His calm nature helped Pakistan find direction. Under him, the team reached the T20 World Cup 2021 semi-final and built a stable top order. His record made him Pakistan’s most successful all-format captain after Imran Khan.

Root’s captaincy from 2017 to 2022 was marked by both brilliance and struggle. He led England in more Tests than any other player but faced tough losses, including multiple Ashes defeats. Yet his personal form often carried the team. 

When both stepped down, they did so with dignity. Their leadership taught their teams resilience and belief.

Style, Technique, and Mindset

Watching Babar Azam and Joe Root bat is like seeing two different schools of thought.

Babar Azam plays with rhythm. His wrists work like magic, guiding the ball through gaps. His footwork is sharp, his cover drives are graceful. He builds his innings slowly and rarely plays rash shots.

Joe Root, on the other hand, blends discipline with aggression. His late cuts and flicks show pure timing. He uses the crease smartly and rotates strike better than most. Root’s technique is classic, the kind that never goes out of style.

Mentally, both are calm and focused. Root thrives on long innings and mental battles. Babar thrives in pressure situations, often carrying Pakistan’s batting lineup alone.

Who Leads the Modern Era?

It’s hard to pick one over the other. Root’s numbers in Test cricket are monumental, while Babar’s command in limited-overs formats is unmatched.

Root has been England’s anchor for more than a decade. His discipline and technique make him one of the finest batters in cricket history. His success in all conditions reflects his adaptability.

Babar, meanwhile, gave Pakistan hope at a time when batting stability was rare. He became a symbol of reliability and grace. His form between 2018 and 2022 put him among the top three batters in the world.

If Root defines endurance, Babar defines elegance. Both lead with example and silence critics with performance. The real beauty of this rivalry is not who’s better but how both continue to inspire the next generation.

Watch Both Stars in Action Live on tapmad

The cricket season is heating up as two batting giants take the field in their ongoing series. Babar Azam is in action during the South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025, with the 1st T20 match happening today. Over in New Zealand, Joe Root gears up for the 2nd ODI of the England tour of New Zealand 2025, set for tomorrow.

Fans can stream every over, boundary, and classic shot live on tapmad. From Babar’s elegant stroke play to Root’s calm, classy innings, the excitement is nonstop. Watch both players deliver match-winning performances as the international season unfolds, anytime, anywhere, only on tapmad.

How to Stream Live on tapmad

1. Visit the official tapmad website or download the tapmad app.
2. Sign up or log in to your tapmad account.
3. Head to the Sports section.
4. Tap on Live Cricket to access ongoing matches.
5. Choose your match
6. Click Play and enjoy both matches live in HD!

Conclusion

When cricket fans debate Babar Azam vs Joe Root, it’s not about rivalry; it’s about excellence in two forms. Root’s story is of a player who carried England through transition, rewriting records and becoming their all-time top scorer. Babar’s story is of a player who lifted Pakistan’s batting standards and played with calm authority.

Root stands as the face of consistency and discipline. Babar stands as the face of class and composure. Both bring their nations’ pride with each innings.

In pure numbers, Root leads. In style and modern appeal, Babar shines brighter. Together, they remind the world that cricket’s beauty lies in diversity, one player’s patience, another’s perfection.

The debate will continue, but one thing is clear: Babar Azam and Joe Root are both timeless in their own ways.