Centurion, April 14: An astonishing century from Babar Azam led Pakistan to a remarkable, record-breaking nine-wicket victory in the third T20 International against South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.
A record opening stand of 197 runs for Pakistan between Babar (122 runs off 59 balls) and Mohammad Rizwan 73 not out (47 balls) ensured that the tourists won with 12 balls to spare while chasing a formidable target of 204.
Babar was finally dismissed with just seven runs required for victory when he edged Lizaad Williams to Proteas captain and wicketkeeper, Heinrich Klaasen.
Earlier, Babar had won the toss and asked the Proteas to bat in bat first.
Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan both scored half-centuries of their own to power South Africa to what appeared to be a competitive total of 203-5.
Malan’s maiden T20I 50 included five fours and a pair of sixes, one of which was his glorious, trademark drive over extra cover. Both men fell to left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz, Markram bowled and Malan top-edging a reverse sweep for 55 from 40 deliveries.
However, the South African batsmen kept the tempo up and drove the score past 200 – their highest T20 total against Pakistan.
Pakistan now take a 2-1 lead into the final match on Friday. (Agencies)
