Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam overtook India’s Virat Kohli’s mark within the third and last T20I towards South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Babar’s match-winning 68 off 47 balls, with 9 fours, lifted him to 40 fifty-plus scores in T20 internationals, surpassing Kohli’s 39. India’s Rohit Sharma is third with 37, whereas Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is fourth on 31.
Within the last match, Pakistan chased down a modest 140-run goal to clinch a six-wicket victory with six balls remaining, because of Babar’s regular half-century.
The hosts had an early setback when opener Saim Ayub departed for a six-ball duck, however Babar and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership. Farhan contributed 19 off 18 balls earlier than falling within the seventh over.
Babar then joined forces with skipper Salman Ali Agha, including a brisk 76-run stand for the third wicket. Babar top-scored with 68, whereas Agha chipped in with a fast 33 off 26 balls.
Regardless of a late stumble at 133 for six, Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan held their composure to take Pakistan dwelling.
Earlier, Pakistan’s determination to bowl first proved efficient as Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza led a disciplined bowling effort to limit South Africa to 139 for 9 in 20 overs.
Each groups will now head to Faisalabad for a three-match ODI sequence scheduled from November 4 to eight.
Most fifty-plus scores in T20I profession:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 40
- Virat Kohli (India) – 39
- Rohit Sharma (India) – 37
- Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 31
- David Warner (Australia) – 29
- Jos Buttler (England) – 29
