NEW DELHI: Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam created history by becoming the highest run-getter in men's T20Is, achieving the landmark during his team's nine-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore on Friday. With this win, Pakistan drew level in the three-match series.

Babar, who fell for a duck on his return to T20Is after nearly a year, needed just nine runs to surpass former India captain Rohit Sharma's tally of 4,231 runs. He remained unbeaten on 11, taking his total to 4,234 runs in 130 matches, including 36 fifties and three centuries, at a strike rate of 129.

India's Virat Kohli sits third with 4,188 runs, followed by England's Jos Buttler with 3,869 and Ireland's Paul Stirling with 3,710.

Most runs in T20 internationals

4234* - Babar Azam
4231 - Rohit Sharma
4188 - Virat Kohli
3869 - Jos Buttler
3710 - Paul Stirling

While Babar's record-breaking feat grabbed the spotlight, it was Saim Ayub who stole the show with a blistering unbeaten 71 off just 38 balls to power Pakistan to a dominant victory.

The left-hander, who had endured a forgettable Asia Cup with four ducks, roared back to form in stunning fashion - hammering six fours and five sixes as Pakistan chased down the 111-run target in only 13.1 overs.

"Saim is someone who can play for the next 10 years and become the player we all want him to be," captain Salman Ali Agha said after the game. "We bowled really well up front, and when you bowl that well you're always going to win the game."

Earlier, Pakistan's bowlers put on a commanding display to skittle South Africa for just 110. Faheem Ashraf led the charge with figures of 4 for 23, while Salman Mirza provided strong support, picking up 3 for 14 as the duo shared seven wickets between them.