Top 3 batsmen with most T20I runs without scoring a duck

T20I is a very peculiar format, and has introduced feats and concepts that the game was alien to for much of its existence. Accordingly, there are some unique records in the format that don't always get highlighted the way the usual ones are.

To get dismissed on a duck is probably the worst thing that a batsman can suffer in a match. But there are certain cricketers who manage to unfailingly evade that moment of walking back to the pavilion without a run to their name.

Especially in a format like T20, when the onus is on the batsman to score runs at a high rate at all times, they could be excused for getting ahead of themselves and trying to play a big shot before settling down on the crease. The fast-paced nature of the game increases the chances of departing on a duck.

Also see – T10 schedule

Here, we take a look at the top three batsmen who have scored the most T20I runs without a duck:

#3 Faf du Plessis (1363 runs)

Faf du Plessis

South Africa’s Test captain Faf du Plessis holds the incredible record of never being dismissed for a duck in T20 international cricket. He made his debut in 2012, and the last time he represented his country in the format was in March this year against Sri Lanka.

In the process, he has played 44 matches and scored 1363 runs including eight half-centuries and a century.

Du Plessis has remained a bedrock of the Proteas’ batting lineup for a long time. Despite the fact that he has had the onus of shouldering the batting order a lot of times, Du Plessis has never succumbed to the pressure.

#2 Babar Azam (1405 Runs)

Babar Azam

Pakistan’s surge as a force in the T20 format of the game has coincided with Babar Azam’s rise as an international cricketer, especially in the limited-overs format.

He has become a force to reckon with in T20Is with his brilliant timing, stroke-play and overall array of shots. His drives in particular enable him to rack up boundaries in abundance whenever required.

Azam has played 36 innings and scored 1405 runs that comprise 12 half-centuries. He has yet to be dismissed for a duck in this format of the game.

That is undoubtedly a remarkable record, and given how admirably he performed in the Vitality T20 Blast this year, one can rest assured that Azam’s performance in T20Is will only get better in the coming times.

Currently, Azam is a part of the Pakistani team that is touring Australia. Come the World T20 next year, he could potentially be one of the highest run-getters in the tournament.

#1 Marlon Samuels (1611 runs)

Marlon Samuels

Marlon Samuels is a two-time WT20 champion with the West Indies, and was a vital part of their batting unit. More importantly, Samuels had a tendency to bring out his best in the big games.

He remained a consistent part of the West Indian batting lineup for a majority of the previous decade. The team often banked on him due to his reliability factor as a middle-order batsman and the experience that he brought to the side.

Samuels scored 1611 runs in 67 innings, with 10 half-centuries. He never got out for a duck, and hence claims the top spot in this list.

Samuels had his fair share of controversies, and blew hot and cold for quite a long period of time in his career. But the way he upped his game when the critical moments arrived was evidence of his sheer temperament as a cricketer.