Babar Azam’s 40th T20I Fifty & Message Mark His Quiet Comeback

Babar Azam walked off the Gaddafi Stadium with a quiet smile, the kind that speaks louder than a celebration. His 68 off 47 balls carried Pakistan to a 4-wicket win over South Africa in the third T20I, sealing the series 2–1 on a cool Saturday night in Lahore.

It wasn’t a knock built on fireworks but on control, poise, and timing; vintage Babar. Chasing 140, Pakistan stuttered early. Saim Ayub nicked off early, and the middle order faltered. But Babar, calm as ever, absorbed the pressure and rebuilt. His nine boundaries weren’t about brute force; they were about class, the kind that turns tight chases into routines.

The milestone came quietly but meant plenty. His 40th T20I fifty took him past Virat Kohli’s tally of 39, a record that drew a standing roar from the crowd. Yet, true to his nature, Babar’s celebration stayed modest with a bat raise, a nod, and focus back to the job.

Awarded Player of the Match, Babar credited teamwork in the presentation. Later, his post on X (formerly Twitter) said more than any speech could:

“Grateful to be back doing what I love. Thankful for those who believed when it was quiet.”

It’s been a turbulent few months, with questions about his form and intent. But in this innings, he answered all of it without a word.

The win capped off a strong home T20 run for Pakistan, who now shift to Faisalabad for the ODI leg starting November 4, the city’s first ODI in 17 years. Shaheen Afridi leads the side again, joined by regulars, including Babar, Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman. South Africa, under Matthew Breetzke, will bank on experience from Quinton de Kock and pace from Lungi Ngidi.

For now, the night belonged to Babar Azam, who has been back in touch, back on top, and back reminding everyone why he remains Pakistan’s most reliable hand under lights.