Captain Babar Azam hit a record-breaking 122 to guide Pakistan to a formidable nine-wicket victory over hosts South Africa at Centurion on Wednesday and a 2-1 lead within the four-match Twenty20 collection.
Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 73 as he and Babar, whose century got here off 49 balls, shared a document 197-run partnership in a devastating show of batting that enabled the touring facet to reel in South Africa’s aggressive 203-5 with consummate ease.
They received with two overs to spare after making 205-1, dispatching the house bowling to all corners of the bottom.
Babar’s document T20 rating for Pakistan, together with 15 fours and 4 sixes off 59 balls, got here a day after he grew to become the highest ranked one-day batsman. He is third within the T20 rankings and performed an innings of finesse and guile quite than bludgeoning pictures to underline his class.
Rizwan’s knock was overshadowed by his skipper however he was equally sensible in a supporting position.
It was the second highest profitable run chase in a T20 worldwide at Centurion with a tiring Babar finally out caught behind off the bowling of Lizaad Williams.
Janneman Malan and Aiden Markham shared a 108-run opening wicket partnership as South Africa acquired off to a flying begin after being put into bat.
Markham made a half century for a 3rd successive sport earlier than being bowled for 63 and Malan scored 55.
The final match of the collection and Pakistan’s tour may even be performed at Centurion, on Friday.
