1st ODI: Babar Azam Breaks Virat Kohli, Hashim Amla’s Record As Pakistan Win Last-Ball Thriller Against South Africa

The match was sealed on the last ball as Faheem Ashraf stroked Andile Phehlukwayo for a single through covers.

Babar Azam led Pakistan just managed to claim a three-wicket victory in the final-ball thriller ODI against the hosts South Africa and they have taken a 1-0 lead in this three-match ODI series with two matches to go.

Quick Highlight Of The Match

South Africa was off to a shaky start (55/4) after Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, van der Dussen (123*) and David Miller (50) played a blistering inning for their side to take the score above 270 in scheduled 50 overs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan remained in a commanding position until a spell from Anrich Nortje (4/51) brought them back into the game. Although the match came down to the wire despite Babar’s ton, Pakistan held their nerves to chase 274.

Before heading into the 2nd ODI, let’s have a quick look at the 5 records broken in the match.


Babar Azam Quickest to Reach 13th ODI Ton

Babar Azam
Babar Azam | Source: Twitter

Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Friday became the fastest batsman to score 13 ODI centuries. He achieved the feat with his 103-run knock against South Africa in the 1st ODI at Centurion.

Azam got to the 13-ton mark in just his 76th ODI innings and surpassed South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who had taken 83 matches to do the same. Below Amla is Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock, both of whom took 86 matches, while David Warner (91) is fifth on the list.


Maiden ODI Ton For Rassie van der Dussen

Rassie Van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen | Source: Twitter

Middle-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen anchored the South African innings when they were in trouble. Coming in at number four, he duly rescued them. Eventually, he went on to complete his maiden ton in ODI cricket, which came off 123 balls. Dussen, who came to the crease in the seventh over, remained unbeaten on 123 (10 fours and 2 sixes).


David Miller and van der Dussen 3rd Highest Partnership Record

David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen
David Miller and Van der Dussen| Source: Twitter

For South Africa, who lost four wickets at 55, David Miller (50) and Van der Dussen (123 *) shared 116 runs for the fifth wicket. It has become South Africa’s third-highest ODI partnership for the fifth wicket against Pakistan.

In 1998 Jacques Kallis and Jonty Rhodes had the highest 183-run partnership for South Africa against Pakistan.


Highest Second-Wicket Partnership For Pakistan in Centurion

Imam-ul-Haq
Imam-ul-Haq | Source: Twitter

Skipper Babar Azam (103) and Imam-ul-Haq (70) shared a 177-run partnership for the second wicket for Pakistan, who lost their first wicket on a score of 9. This partnership between Babar and the Imam is the highest ODI partnership against South Africa by a Pakistani duo in Centurion. Notably, the previous-highest was also between the two (132 runs in 2019).


Anrich Nortje’s Four Wicket Haul

Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje | Source: Twitter

South African fast bowler Nortje delivered a miraculous spell in the middle overs. He brought Proteas back into the game after Babar and Imam made it a one-sided contest.

Nortje bowled a barrage of bouncers that destroyed Pakistan’s middle-order. Nortje ended up taking four wickets, having conceded 51 runs from 10 overs. However, he couldn’t produce a win for South Africa.