Babar Azam is the current captain of the Pakistani national cricket team and widely considered one of the best contemporary batsmen. The right-handed batsman plays all formats and has been a prolific run scorer for Pakistan over the last several years. Babar made his international debut in 2015 and has since become a mainstay in the Pakistani batting lineup across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Sarfaraz Ahmed is a Pakistani wicketkeeper-batsman who was captain of Pakistan from 2017 to 2020 before being removed from captaincy and dropping out of the Test and ODI teams. As captain, Ahmed led Pakistan to a famous ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2017. Known for being vocal behind the stumps, Sarfaraz excelled most as a T20I middle-order batsman and handy gloveman over a 7-year international career between 2010 and 2017 though he struggled with form post 2017 before returning for national duty in 2022.
Profile Details
Full Name
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Born
May 22, 1987, Karachi, Sind
Country
Pakistan
Role
WK-Batsman
Batting Style
Right Handed Bat
Bowling Style
As known as
Sarfu
Batting Stats Head-to-Head
Babar Azam vs Sarfaraz Ahmed
Most Runs
Highest Scores
Batting Average
Strike Rate
Most Centuries
Most Sixes
Bowling Stats Head-to-Head
Babar Azam vs Sarfaraz Ahmed
Most Wickets
Most Innings
Economy Rate
Bowling Average
Strike Rate
Most Runs
Two Pakistani captains from different eras, Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed present an intriguing statistical showdown between contemporary batting brilliance and vocal leadership tenacity. Run machine Azam blends silk and steel compiling monumental totals deploying an impregnable batting fortress; meanwhile fiery glovesman Sarfaraz channeled chutzpah as an undersized dynamo behind the stumps. Azam symbolizes the modern batting demigod conquering bowling attacks with surgical precision; Sarfaraz himself galvanized Pakistan as captain through sheer passion and motivational ability.
Babar Azam Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
50
90
9
3807
196
47.0
6926
54.97
9
26
445
23
ODI
117
114
13
5729
158
56.72
6455
88.75
19
32
520
60
T20i
104
98
14
3485
122
41.49
2714
128.41
3
30
371
53
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
50
8
90
42
2
1/2
21.0
2.8
45.0
0
0
ODI
117
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
T20i
104
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sarfaraz Ahmed Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
54
95
13
3031
118
36.96
4320
70.16
4
21
309
9
ODI
117
91
22
2315
105
33.55
2635
87.86
2
11
174
12
T20i
61
42
12
818
89
27.27
653
125.27
0
3
79
15
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
54
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ODI
117
1
12
15
0
0/15
0.0
7.5
0.0
0
0
T20i
61
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The Stats Battle between Babar vs Sarfaraz
Yet together their records testify two determined titular leaders piloting their teams to glory this past decade through contrasting approaches bonded by national pride. For purists, weighing Azam's supreme consistency against Sarfaraz's spirit poses a fascinating duel between gentlemen cricket captains divided by eras but united by their fight guiding Pakistan's fortunes.
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in IT20 - Batting Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
Runs
HS
Ave
BP
SR
200s
100s
50s
0s
4s
6s
Ct
St
Out
NO
Sarfaraz Ahmed
61
42
818
89
27.26
653
125.26
0
0
3
4
79
15
37
9
30
12
Babar Azam
99
98
3485
122
41.48
2714
128.40
0
3
30
5
371
53
40
0
84
14
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in ODI - Batting Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
Runs
HS
Ave
BP
SR
200s
100s
50s
0s
4s
6s
Ct
St
Out
NO
Sarfaraz Ahmed
117
91
2315
105
33.55
2625
88.19
0
2
11
1
174
12
119
24
69
22
Babar Azam
116
114
5729
158
56.72
6455
88.75
0
19
32
4
520
60
49
0
101
13
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in Test Matches - Batting Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
Runs
HS
Ave
BP
SR
200s
100s
50s
0s
4s
6s
Ct
St
Out
NO
Sarfaraz Ahmed
105
95
3031
118
37.41
4320
70.16
0
4
21
4
309
9
313
41
81
14
Babar Azam
92
90
3807
196
47.00
6925
54.97
0
9
26
7
424
20
71
0
81
9
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in IT20 - Bowling Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
W
BBI
Ave
Eco
SR
4w
5w
10w
BBM
Overs
MO
Runs
Ext
Sarfaraz Ahmed
61
0
0
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
0
Babar Azam
103
1
3
-
7.33
5.50
8.0
0
0
0
-
4
0
22
0
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in ODI - Bowling Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
W
BBI
Ave
Eco
SR
4w
5w
10w
BBM
Overs
MO
Runs
Ext
Sarfaraz Ahmed
116
1
0
-
-
7.50
-
0
0
0
-
2
0
15
0
Babar Azam
116
0
0
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
0
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed in Test Matches - Bowling Stats
Cricketer
Mat
Inns
W
BBI
Ave
Eco
SR
4w
5w
10w
BBM
Overs
MO
Runs
Ext
Sarfaraz Ahmed
54
0
0
-
-
-
-
0
0
0
-
0
0
0
0
Babar Azam
57
9
5
-
16.60
2.86
34.8
0
0
0
-
29
5
83
0
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed: Career Statistics Comparison
Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed: Career Statistics Comparison – Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistani captains have shown leadership assisting their team’s fortunes over the last decade through skill and strategy.
Their statistical records across formats are examined to appreciate two accomplished glovesmen rather than compare greatness. The focus is their excellence catalyzing cricket’s global ascent by showcasing how self-belief inspires possibility when unfettered.
Article Highlights
Hide
Babar Azam comes from a cricket-enthusiastic family and has been surrounded by the sport from a young age.
Babar Azam exhibits exceptional balance, footwork, and hand-eye coordination at the crease, allowing him to tackle both spin and pace.
Sarfaraz Ahmed rose from a humble background and relies heavily on his hand-eye coordination, often using the pace of the ball to steer it behind square.
Babar Azam's captaincy style is composed and tactical, consistently leading the team to competitive performances and mentoring young players. Sarfaraz Ahmed's leadership style is energetic and motivational, with mixed results but notable successes, such as the Champions Trophy 2017 win.
Together they chronicle evolution where athleticism and mastery uplift teams. For purists, these distinguished careers spotlight players maximizing their unique gifts to succeed.
Analyzed together, Babar and Sarfaraz tell an inspirational story – of current consistency and past glory propelling innovation that allowed individuals and a nation to transcend perceived limitations.
Early Life and Background
Babar Azam was born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, into a cricket-enthusiastic family, which laid the foundation for his future in the sport.
His lineage, steeped in cricketing heritage with cousins already playing at professional levels, provided him with an environment ripe for nurturing his innate talent.
Shakib Al Hasan Vs Tamim Iqbal: Career Statistics Comparison
Shakib Al Hasan Vs Tamim Iqbal: Career Statistics Comparison – Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim ...
Read More
Sarfaraz Ahmed, born on May 22, 1987, in Karachi, Sindh, rose from a humble background with sheer determination to make his mark in cricket.
His journey to cricketing prominence was paved with grit and unyielding perseverance, navigating through the ranks from local club cricket to captaining the national team.
The divergent pathways of these two athletes underscore the dynamic nature of cricket in Pakistan, a nation where the sport serves as a vessel of hope and a conduit for social mobility.
Babar’s ascent is often viewed as a testament to the power of legacy and mentorship in sports, while Sarfaraz’s success is emblematic of the potential for individual determination to transcend socio-economic barriers.
As we delve deeper into their cricketing narrative, it’s imperative to analyze how their distinct backgrounds have influenced their approach to batting. This becomes apparent when scrutinizing their techniques and on-field strategies.
Batting Techniques
The contrasting batting styles of Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed offer a compelling study in technical finesse and adaptive gameplay.
Azam’s technique is a blend of grace and precision, marked by a textbook-perfect stance and a keen eye for shot selection. In contrast, Ahmed’s approach is more instinctive, thriving on innovation and quick adjustments.
To appreciate their distinct methodologies, consider the following aspects:
Balance and Footwork:
Babar Azam exhibits exceptional balance at the crease, allowing him to drive elegantly through the covers.
His footwork is precise, enabling him to tackle both spin and pace with equal aplomb.
Hand-Eye Coordination:
Sarfaraz Ahmed relies heavily on his hand-eye coordination.
He plays late and uses the pace of the ball, often to steer it behind square.
Shot Repertoire:
Azam’s repertoire includes all the classical drives and flicks.
Ahmed often employs unorthodox shots, such as the paddle sweep and the reverse flick.
Mental Composure:
While Babar maintains a calm demeanor, focusing on building innings.
Sarfaraz is known for his aggressive intent and ability to improvise under pressure.
This analysis not only highlights their technical prowess but also underscores a deeper narrative about the evolution of batting roles in modern cricket.
As we transition to discuss their leadership and captaincy, it becomes clear that their batting philosophies resonate in their approach to leading a team.
Leadership and Captaincy
Transitioning from their individual batting prowess, both Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed have also carved distinct niches in the realm of leadership and captaincy within the cricketing world. Their approaches to leading a team are as differentiated as their batting styles, each bringing a unique set of qualities to the table.
Babar, with his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, represents a new era of Pakistani cricket – one that emphasizes consistency and adaptability.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz, known for his passionate and sometimes fiery leadership, has a penchant for inspiring his team through personal example and spirited encouragement.
The following table summarizes key aspects of their captaincy:
Aspect
Babar Azam
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Style
Composed and Tactical
Energetic and Motivational
Team Performance
Consistently competitive
Mixed results with notable successes
Impact on Young Players
Mentorship and Lead-by-example
Nurtures aggression and resilience
Analytically speaking, Babar’s tenure as captain has been marked by a steady hand, whereas Sarfaraz’s time at the helm showcased his ability to galvanize a team under pressure.
Both leadership styles have their merits and are reflective of their personal philosophies and cricketing upbringing. The choice between them depends on the context of the team’s needs, the opponents, and the conditions at play.
Key Performances: Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed
Delving into their key performances, Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed have both stepped up to deliver remarkable innings under various cricketing scenarios.
Their contributions have been pivotal in shaping the outcomes of numerous matches for Pakistan. To objectively measure their impact, let’s examine some key statistics:
Babar Azam: Known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, Babar has an impressive record across all formats. Notably:
He has consistently ranked among the top batsmen in the ICC rankings.
His match-winning 123 off 126 against the West Indies in 2016 solidified his position as a key player in ODIs.
Babar became the fastest batsman to reach 1,000 T20I runs, achieving this in just 26 innings.
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Sarfaraz is lauded for his fighting spirit and resilient knocks, particularly in testing conditions.
His aggressive 49 against South Africa in the 2015 World Cup showcased his ability to handle pressure.
His leadership during the Champions Trophy 2017, where he scored crucial runs in the semi-final and final, was instrumental in Pakistan’s triumph.
Both players have distinctive styles and roles, yet their performances are integral to the narrative of Pakistan cricket’s success.
Impact on Pakistani Cricket
Both Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed have significantly influenced Pakistani cricket through their leadership and match-winning performances.
Their respective eras mark pivotal points in the nation’s cricketing narrative, shaping the team’s culture and international standing.
To evoke the emotion tied to their impact, consider the following table:
Aspect
Babar Azam
Sarfaraz Ahmed
Leadership Style
Composed, Leading by Example
Passionate, Vocal Encouragement
Tactical Acumen
Innovative, Adaptive
Strategic, Instinctive
Team Cohesion
Harmonious, Inclusive
Resilient, Spirited
Consistency
High, Sets Standards
Variable, Big-Moment Player
Legacy
Emerging, Promising
Established, Champions Trophy Winner
Analyzing their contributions, Babar’s composed demeanor and consistent performances have brought a new era of professionalism to Pakistani cricket.
His innovative approach in captaining the side promises to usher in a sustained period of success. Sarfaraz, with his passionate leadership and strategic acumen, instilled a fighting spirit that culminated in the 2017 Champions Trophy victory, leaving a legacy of resilience.
For a nation that yearns for liberation from the shackles of inconsistency and underachievement, both players offer distinct pathways to cricketing success.
Their impacts continue to inspire and shape future generations, ensuring the flame of Pakistani cricket burns brighter with each passing season.
What’s Your Thought on Babar Azam Vs Sarfaraz Ahmed Stats Comparison?
In conclusion, the comparative analysis of Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed within the context of Pakistani cricket reveals distinct attributes and contributions.
Azam’s refined batting technique and consistent performance stand in contrast to Ahmed’s experienced leadership and tactical acumen.
Both cricketers have played pivotal roles in shaping the national team’s dynamics, with their key performances underlining their significant impact.
The juxtaposition of their careers provides a nuanced understanding of leadership and skill in the sport.