Pakistan Leads ODI Series 1-0
Pakistan’s star batter and captain, Babar Azam, is on the verge of achieving multiple historic milestones as he steps onto the field in the second ODI against South Africa in Cape Town today. Pakistan currently leads the three-match series 1-0, following a thrilling three-wicket victory in the first game.
Chasing Hashim Amla’s Record
The 29-year-old batting maestro is only 168 runs away from surpassing South African legend Hashim Amla’s record for the fastest to 6000 ODI runs. Amla achieved the feat in 123 innings, while Babar, with 5832 runs in 118 innings, has five innings remaining to break the record.
Babar already holds the record for being the fastest to 5000 ODI runs, which he accomplished in just 97 innings, cementing his reputation as one of the finest batters of the modern era.
Fastest to 6000 ODI Runs:
- Hashim Amla (South Africa): 123 innings
- Virat Kohli (India): 136 innings
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 139 innings
- David Warner (Australia): 139 innings
- Shikhar Dhawan (India): 140 innings
Closing in on Saeed Anwar’s Century Record
Babar Azam is also on the brink of equalling another prestigious record in Pakistani cricket. With 19 ODI centuries to his name, he needs just one more to match Saeed Anwar’s record of 20 centuries, the highest by a Pakistani batter in ODIs.
If Babar achieves this milestone today, he will become the second-fastest batter in ODI history to score 20 centuries, trailing only Hashim Amla, who reached the mark in 108 innings. Babar has scored 19 centuries in 118 innings so far.
Most ODI Centuries for Pakistan:
- Saeed Anwar: 20 centuries
- Babar Azam: 19 centuries
- Mohammad Yousuf: 15 centuries
- Fakhar Zaman: 11 centuries
- Mohammad Hafeez: 11 centuries
Series Outlook
Pakistan’s win in the series opener was powered by Saim Ayub’s scintillating century and an all-round performance by Salman Ali Agha. With Babar Azam’s sights set on record-breaking achievements, the second ODI promises to be another exciting encounter for cricket fans.
