Pakistan Beat SA By 9 Wickets; Chased 204 In 18 Overs Courtesy Of A Big 100 By Babar Azam

Pakistan lead the four-match T20I series by 2-1. The opening stand between Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan was 197 runs.

(File Photo/ Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan 3^rd T20I: World No.1 ODI Batsman Babar Azam scored a magnificent innings of 122* (59) to win the match for Pakistan. He was well supported by Mohammed Rizwan who scored 73 (47) despite fasting as per the holy month of Ramadan. With this win, Pakistan lead the four match T20I series 2-1. Pakistan were chasing a score of 204 but the batting of Babar and Rizwan made the chase look like a cake-walk. To be fair to South Africa, they were playing without their main players and especially without Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, who are currently part of the Delhi Capitals side in the IPL.

South Africa also batted well. Janneman Malan scored 55 (40) and Aiden Markram scored 63 (31). Apart from both these performances there were cameos by George Linde and van der Dussen. SA reached a good score of 203 in their quota of 20 overs. But as it turned out, it was not enough.

Babar Azam won the man of the match for his brilliant performance with the bat. It was a great day for the Pakistani captain as he became the only Pakistani to on top of the ODI batsman rankings since 2003.

After the match, he said: “I really felt good. I was waiting for a knock like this. I focus on my strength. I want to continue like that. When the rate is around 10, you need to take a few more risks. Rizwan had fasting (Ramadan) but he did extremely well. Batted well and also kept for 20 overs.”

Babar and Rizwan's partnership was the best T20I partnership for Pakistan: 

The 4^th T20I between South Africa and Pakistan will be played on 16 April 2021 at 6 pm IST.