PRETORIA, (Reuters) – Captain Babar Azam hit a record-breaking 122 to lead Pakistan to an impressive nine-wicket victory over host South Africa at Centurion yesterday and 2-1 ahead in the four-match Twenty20 series.
Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 73 as he and Babar, whose century came off 49 balls, shared a record-breaking partnership of 197 in a devastating display of batting that easily enabled the touring side to reel in South Africa’s competitive 203-5.
They won with two overs to spare after making 205-1, sending the home bowling to every corner of the ground.
Babar’s highest ever T20 score for Pakistan, including 15 fours and four sixes off 59 balls, came a day after he became a one-day batsman at the top. He is third in the T20 rankings and played innards of finesse and guile rather than bludgeoning shots to underscore his class.
Rizwan’s beat was overshadowed by his sprinter but he was equally brilliant in a supporting role.
It was the second highest ever race of the T20 international at Centurion with a tired Babar out in the end trapped behind the bowling of Lizaad Williams.
Janneman Malan and Aiden Markham shared the opening wicket partnership of 108 runs as South Africa got off to a good start after being batted.
Markham made a half-century for a third consecutive game before being bowled for 63 and Malan scored 55.
The final match of the series and the Pakistan tour will also be played at Centurion tomorrow.