Mr consistent, Pakistan all-format skipper Babar Azam was at it again – scoring runs and breaking records – in the first ODI against South Africa at Supersport Park in Centurion. Chasing 274 runs, Pakistan didn’t have a great start as they lost the wicket of opener Fakhar Zaman in just the third over. However, a 177-run partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Babar sent Pakistan into cruise control.

Babar Azam was his usual stylish self as he tore into South Africa‘s bowling attack. Laced with some sumptuous strokes, Babar hit 17 fours on the way to his 13th ODI century. By the virtue of the same, Babar broke the record for the fastest to reach 13 ODI tons in the 50-over format.

The 26-year old broke former South African opener Hashim Amla’s record, who had achieved the same number of centuries in 83 innings. While Babar completed the feat in just 76 innings. Indian skipper Virat Kohli is just behind Amla with 13 centuries in 86 innings in the one-day internationals.

Owing to the 177-run partnership between the two Pakistan won the first match, albeit a late comeback from South Africa, which resulted in the match going right down to the wire but the visitors prevailed in the end. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and put the home side into bat. 

Pakistan had a great start as they reduced South Africa three down inside the first 10 overs. However, a century by Rassie van der Dussen and a fifty from David Miller helped the home side to get to a competitive total of 273, which wasn’t enough in the end.