A mighty century of captain Babar Azam propelled Pakistan to snatch one last ball and a three-field victory over South Africa on the first day of a three-game series on Friday.
Babar scored 103 of 104 balls to lay the foundation for his team’s success at the Centurion when Pakistan scored 274-7 in response to South Africa’s 273-6.
Rassie van der Dussen hit 123 unbeaten for the hosts after they were put at bat, but their efforts were in vain.
Azam participated in a 177-run partnership for the second wicket with starter Imam-ul-Haq, who scored 70.
The 26-year-old Azam produced an impressive variety of shots to emphasize his ranking as one of the best ODI batsmen in cricket.
The pair appeared to have taken the game away from South Africa, although three quick windows for Anrich Nortje temporarily slowed Pakistan’s march as they fell from 186-2 to 203-5.
Forty races for Mohamed Rizwan and 33 for Shadab Khan put them back in command and Pakistan only needed three races of the last to win.
But they made bad weather to ensure success before Faheem Ashraf secured a single on a wide delivery to secure the win. South Africa struggled initially and had dropped to 55-4 before Van der Dussen and David Miller established a 116 partnership. races for the fifth wicket.
It ended when Miller went meekly off after a quick 50 of 56 balls, but Van der Dussen and his next two partners, Andile Phehlukwayo and Kagiso Rabada, added 102 more runs in the final 14 overs to set a decent goal.
The next ODI will be played in Johannesburg on Sunday.
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