Babar Azam makes history by breaking MS Dhoni's record

With their impressive ODI series win against South Africa, Pakistan not only claimed victory but also set several new records in cricket history.

Babar Azam made headlines by surpassing Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s record during the second match of the series on Thursday.

The former Pakistan captain broke Dhoni’s record for most half-centuries scored against the SENA countries, including South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia, by hitting a half-century in the second ODI against South Africa.

Babar Azam played a crucial innings of 73 runs, including seven boundaries, in the match, taking his total of half-centuries against SENA countries to 39.

Dhoni previously held the record with 38 half-centuries in matches against the same nations.

Pakistan clinched the ODI series on Thursday night at Newlands, crushing the Proteas by 81 runs in the second match to set a new record for away series victories in South Africa.

The Green Shirts led 2-0 in the series, with Kamran Ghulam being declared the Man of the Match.

Pakistan achieved a historic feat by winning an ODI series in South Africa for the third time, becoming the first team to accomplish this feat in the 21st century.

Previously, Pakistan had triumphed in ODI series against South Africa in 2013 and 2021. 

Opener Saim Ayub made history in the first ODI against South Africa on Tuesday at Boland Park, Paarl.

The 22-year-old batsman became the youngest player to score a century against South Africa, achieving the milestone with a brilliant 109 off 119 balls while chasing a target of 240 runs.

At 22 years and 207 days, he surpassed legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara, who previously held the record for the youngest centurion against South Africa at 23 years and 297 days in 1993.

Saim Ayub also left behind South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, who reached this milestone at 23 years and 48 days in 2016.

Overall, Saim became the third-youngest player to score a century against South Africa in ODI cricket. 

In addition to his key partnership with Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha set a unique record in ODI cricket.

He became the seventh player in history to score 80 or more runs and take four wickets in a single ODI match.

Salman’s remarkable feat places him alongside cricketing greats like Sir Vivian Richards, Graeme Hick, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chris Gayle, Mohammad Hafeez, and A Ilyas.