Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Friday (2nd April) became the fastest men's cricketer to score 13 centuries in ODI cricket.

South Africa on account of Rassie van der Dussen's maiden ODI century posted a total of 273/6 in their quota of 50 overs against Pakistan in the first match of the three-ODI series. 

Replying to South Africa’s total, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam led his side from the front to give his team their third victory in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League. 

The swashbuckling batsman scored a 104-ball 103 to provide the visitors with a superb start in their chase against South Africa at SuperSport Park. 

Considered as one of the modern greats, Azam in his 78th ODI became the fastest men's cricketer to score 13 centuries in ODI cricket.

He achieved this feat in his 76th innings and surpassed Hashim Amla, who until now was the fastest to score 13 ODI hundreds in 83 innings, and Virat Kohli who took 86 innings to score 13 ODI hundreds.

After Babar Azam’s wicket, Anrich Nortje took a four-wicket haul and wrapped up Pakistan’s middle order in quick succession of time. However, contributions from the lower order guided Pakistan to a 3-wicket victory on the last ball of the match. 

With this thrilling win, Pakistan has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The second game will be played on Sunday at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

(ANI inputs)