Prominent South Africa National Cricket Team batsman Hashim Amla has eclipsed Team India skipper Virat Kohli–to become the fastest to record 27 One-day International (ODI) hundreds. The elegant right-handed batsman Amla achieved the milestone during the first ODI of the five-match series on January 19 (Saturday) at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
The Durban-born stalwart Amla was featuring in his 170th ODI which saw him surpassing Kohli in 167 innings. Amla, who had suffered a rare failure in between, has often been in ominous touch to serve as the backbone across formats for the Proteas set-up.
Virat Kohli smashed 122 off 105 balls. Photo Credit: IANS.
Pertinently, Kohli claimed the milestone on 15th of January 2017 while taking on England Cricket Team in Pune. The 30-year-old Delhi-born star Kohli took 169 ODI innings to seal the record under his belt.
Hundred in vain:
Well, during the recently-concluded three-match ODI series against Australia, Kohli completed his overall 39th hundred. He smashed 112-ball 104 at the Adelaide Oval.
However, coming back to South Africa-Pakistan contest, Amla’s ton went in vain as Pakistan overhauled the target of 267 in 49.1 overs with five wickets in hand.
Fittingly, the Proteas batted first and relied on a brilliant start from Amla alongside promising batsman Reeza Hendricks (45).
However, Amla remained unbeaten on 108 off 120 deliveries. His innings was comprised of seven fours and a solitary six.
On the other side, Amla was equally supported by the top-order batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who scored a fine 93 off 101 deliveries. His innings was laced with six fours and three sixes.
Pakistan’s all-round show:
In their stipulated 50-overs, hosts looked rusty with the bat. But, the significant contribution at the top saw Pakistan crossing the line with ease. Opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq smashed a fine 86 off 101 balls, whereas, rising star Babar Azam was dismissed on 49 off 69 balls.
But it was Mohammad Hafeez who held his nerves. He played a crucial role for the visitors alongside Shadab Khan (18*). Hafeez remained unbeaten on 71 off 63 deliveries with the help of eight fours and two maximums.
Following a convincing win, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead with second ODI commencing from January 22 at Kingsmead in Durban.