Getting out without scoring a single run — that worry about “duck” — is something no batter wants on their record. Yet, it’s part of cricket, and even some of Pakistan’s biggest stars have been on the wrong side of it.
Looking at T20 Internationals, where the game moves fast and there’s no time to settle in, ducks are more common than many think. And the list of most ducks for Pakistan in T20Is might surprise you.
Full List – Most Ducks for Pakistan in T20Is
Here’s the complete list of players who have recorded the highest number of ducks for Pakistan in T20Is:
| Player | Span | Matches | Ducks |
| Umar Akmal | 2009–2019 | 84 | 10 |
| Shahid Afridi | 2006–2016 | 98 | 8 |
| Kamran Akmal | 2006–2017 | 58 | 7 |
| Mohammad Hafeez | 2006–2021 | 119 | 7 |
| Babar Azam | 2016–2024 | 128 | 7 |
| Umar Gul | 2007–2016 | 60 | 6 |
| Imad Wasim | 2015–2024 | 75 | 6 |
| Shadab Khan | 2017–2025 | 112 | 6 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 2017–2025 | 95 | 6 |
| Hasan Nawaz | 2025–2025 | 11 | 5 |
A Few Interesting Points
- Umar Akmal leads with 10 duck dismissals. Akmal was obviously a natural talent but his aggressive batting came with risk.
- Shahid Afridi’s record of 8 ducks is indicative that intent-less batting comes at a cost, even if it gets crowds going with big hits.
- Even Babar Azam, probably the most consistent run-scorer in the world and a fine player, has 7 ducks. This shows even the best can have a bad day.
- Bowlers who bat late, like Umar Gul and Imad Wasim, are also here — usually because they face tough situations and have to swing from ball one.
- Newcomer Hasan Nawaz has 5 ducks in just 11 matches, which is unusually high for such a short career.
Why Do Ducks Happen More in T20 Cricket?
T20 cricket doesn’t give batters much time to settle. From the first ball, there’s pressure to score quickly. That pressure leads to more risk-taking, and sometimes, it backfires.
Some common reasons include:
- Trying to play a big shot too soon
- Facing quality bowling early on
- Adapting poorly to pitch and match conditions
- Pressure situations in run chases or death overs
Impact on a Player’s Career
Not always. While fans remember a duck, they also remember the match-winning innings that follow.
For example:
- Afridi’s ducks never erased his unforgettable cameos.
- Babar Azam’s consistency with the bat easily overshadows his rare failures.
- In short, ducks are just part of the game, especially in a format as unpredictable as T20.
Conclusion
The most ducks for Pakistan in T20Is list is a reminder that cricket isn’t just about highs — the lows are part of the story too. Every player on this list has played match-winning knocks for Pakistan. A duck may sting for a moment, but champions bounce back quickly.
FAQs
Q: Who has the most ducks for Pakistan in T20Is?
Umar Akmal leads the list with 10 ducks in T20Is.
Q: Does having many ducks mean a player is bad?
Not necessarily. Many top players have ducks due to the high-risk nature of T20 cricket, but they also have match-winning performances.
Q: Which active Pakistani player has the most T20I ducks?
Babar Azam (7) and Imad Wasim (6) are among the active players with the most ducks.
