Babar Azam’s brilliant century led Pakistan to a victory in the first ODI against South Africa, his partnership of 170 along with opener, Imam-ul-Haq, ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides as Pakistan managed to chase down a target of 274 on the last ball of the match with three wickets in hand.
Babar’s exquisite inning was praised on social media by cricketers, politicians, and celebrities from all over the world, labeling Babar as one of the best batsmen in the world. This was Babar’s 13th ODI century in his 76th innings, the quickest batsman in the world to achieve the feat.
Babar said that a close-fought victory has given the team the confidence of claiming a series win over the Proteas and he is hopeful of continuing his good form with the bat on the rest of the tour.
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“I am delighted with my hundred. The plan was to take it deep, build a big partnership, and don’t lose focus. This victory has given us confidence and will try to continue with my form in the next match as well,” Babar said.
Babar’s exceptional match-winning knock of 103 off 104 balls sent the cricketing fraternity into a frenzy on Twitter, former Pakistan captains, Shahid Afridi, and Shoaib Malik, congratulated the current captain on his brilliant innings.
Brilliant innings from @babarazam258 absolute treat to watch. Really good to see Pakistan win the match despite the middle-order hiccup. All the best to the team in remaining matches.
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 3, 2021
– Great individual performances by @babarazam258 & @ImamUlHaq12 for next time if such situation arises we have to finish the game as our middle order is inexperienced…
Congratulations team Pakistan ❤️
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) April 2, 2021
Batting masterclass
— Shai Hope (@shaidhope) April 2, 2021
Babar Azam can play can't he! 🔥🔥🔥#WeAreSomerset pic.twitter.com/FbgB30srWO
— Somerset Cricket 🏆 (@SomersetCCC) April 2, 2021
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Brilliant from @babarazam258 once again… watching him play such innings creates for even more inspiring material for the youngsters . Absolutely fabulous.
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) April 2, 2021
The world stops for a second when Babar Azam drives ♥️
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) April 2, 2021
What a great performance by the greens. @babarazam258 you are a sheer joy to watch and make the nation proud again and again
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 2, 2021
Congratulations Pakistan team, especially Babar Azam on this fantastic performance. Well done! This a great start to the tour… Wishing the team all the very best for all upcoming matches @babarazam258 #pakvsSa pic.twitter.com/Fq5ceDkOzM
— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) April 2, 2021
Babar will be looking to add to his run tally and claim a series win against the Proteas in the second ODI of the three-match series, scheduled to be played on 4 April in Johannesburg.
