South Africa hosted Pakistan in the third game of the four-match T20I series at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Wednesday (April 14).
Invited to bat first, the Proteas piled up a staggering 203/5 in 20 overs on the back of half-centuries from Aiden Markram (63 off 31 balls) and Janneman Malan (55 off 40 balls).
Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan, taking 2 wickets by conceding 38 runs in his four overs.
In reply, the visitors overhauled the target with 9 wickets in hand and two overs to spare. Skipper Babar Azam wreaked havoc on the South Africa bowling attack, slamming his maiden T20I ton while sharing a 197-run opening stand with Mohammad Rizwan, who scored 73 not out off 47 balls.
Babar, who replaced Virat Kohli as No.1 ODI batsman earlier in the day, was severe on both pace bowlers and spinners. He notched up his century in just 49 deliveries and then smashed 22 more runs before being dismissed by Lizaad Williams in the 18th over.
Babar’s 59-ball knock was laced with 15 fours and 4 sixes as Pakistan took a 2-1 lead in the four-T20I series.
For his herculean batting effort, Babar Azam garnered rich praise from the Pakistan cricket fraternity on Twitter.
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