Continuing his astounding performance in the One Day Internationals, Babar Azam’s 13th ton on Friday not only won Pakistan the match against South Africa but also hit the milestone for the fastest men’s international cricketer to score 13 ODI centuries. Babar Azam led his team to an important victory that helped them lead the series by 1-0.
In just his 78th career ODI, Babar Azam managed to hit his 13th ODI ton by scoring 103 runs off 104 balls. In the process, the Pakistani skipper became the fastest player to hit 13 centuries, overtaking some of the best batsmen including Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla.
To boast the new record, it only took Babar Azam 76 innings to achieve this feat, which was previously held by Hashim Amla. The South African had scored his 13th century in his 83rd inning. Although Kohli took 86 innings to score his 13th ton, he continues to remain at the helm of ODI rankings with 857 points, just 20 points ahead of Azam. The Pakistani batsman is hopeful to make it to the top in the days to come and overthrow Kohli from the top.
Pakistan made it hard for themselves despite being in a dominant position against South Africa. They eventually clinched the victory in the final ball of the game when Faheem Ashraf managed to score a boundary off Andile Phehlukwayo.
Delhi Capitals’ pace duo shine for South Africa
Even though South Africa suffered defeat in the first ODI, there were some big positives for the home side. Rassie Van Der Dussen scored his maiden century and helped the team to post a competitive total. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals’ pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje bowled beautifully for South Africa.
Rabada bowled a very tight first spell to put pressure on Pakistan early on in the chase. Just when it felt that Pakistan was running away with the win, Nortje bowled an incredible spell between to take four wickets and peg them back. DC will be hoping that both pacers will continue this form in IPL 2021.