During the Asia Cup 2025 contest versus the UAE, Fakhar Zaman marked a noteworthy personal landmark, exceeding 6,000 runs in international-level cricket. This feat strengthened his position as the fourth left-handed batter representing Pakistan to attain such a mark across all game types (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
Ever since he began playing in 2017, Zaman has been a regular at the top of the batting order, well-regarded for his striking and dynamic batting approach. He now shares space with renowned Pakistani left-handed players who’ve collectively achieved over 6,000 international runs, including the distinguished Saeed Anwar. This milestone stands as proof of his steadiness and skill in delivering significant performances, adding to previous career high points, such as becoming the first Pakistani cricketer ever to score a double-century in ODI matches.
5 left-handed Pakistan batters who have scored the most international runs
1. Saeed Anwar (12,876 Runs)
Anwar is truly a Pakistani cricket legend and their most successful left-handed batsman. Over his career from 1989 to 2003, he played as an elegant and stylish opener, famous for his precise timing and wrist movements on his shots. He performed well in both forms of the game, scoring 4,052 runs in 55 Test matches with an average of 45.52, which included 11 centuries. In One-Day Internationals, he was a powerful force, scoring 8,824 runs across 247 matches with an average of 39.21 and a strike rate of 80.67. He notably achieved the world record for highest individual ODI score with a staggering 194 runs against India in 1997. His 20 ODI centuries demonstrate his quality and consistency.
2. Aamer Sohail (7,603 Runs)
As a striking and competitive opener, Aamer Sohail played an important part for Pakistan spanning from 1990 to 2000. He played an essential part in the 1992 World Cup-winning group and was known for building fierce partnerships with Anwar. Across 47 Test matches, he made 2,823 runs at an average of 35.29, with his highest score being 205. In 156 ODIs, he scored 4,780 runs at an average of 31.87. Altogether, his international career encompassed 10 centuries together with 44 half-centuries.
3. Wasim Akram (6,615 Runs)
Recognized as the ‘Sultan of Swing,’ Wasim Akram stands among the all-time best fast bowlers, while his batting contributions also held importance. As a dangerous lower-order hitter, he played between 1984 and 2003. He secured 2,898 runs across 104 Test matches, which includes a remarkable highest score of 257 not out, which continues to stand as a world record for batters at number eight. In ODIs, he managed another 3,717 runs over 356 matches. His overall batting record contains 3 centuries together with 13 fifties, commonly earned at critical points which shifted the game’s flow.
4. Fakhar Zaman (6,037 Runs)
Fakhar is considered a striking left-handed opener and has constantly appeared in the Pakistan lineup ever since his debut back in 2017. He attained recognition because of his century win against India during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final. He is known for having an elevated strike rate, being the first and only Pakistani cricketer with a double-century in ODIs through achieving an extraordinary 210 not out. In his international career thus far, he has accumulated 6,037 runs including 11 centuries along with 32 half-centuries, highlighting his potential for supplying rapid team starts.
5. Salman Butt (5,209 Runs)
A technically proficient and compact opening batter, Salman Butt‘s career ranged between 2003 to 2010. He often performed well near the top of the batting order, most notably in ODI cricket. He was able to play in 33 Test matches, making 1,889 runs at an average of 30.47 with 3 centuries. He scored 2,725 runs throughout 78 ODIs while having an impressive average of 36.82, also including 8 centuries. Overall, his international career accounted for 11 centuries in total as well as 27 half-centuries before his time was unfortunately cut short.
