Babar Azam's Unbeaten 156 Leads Pakistan to Series-Clinching Victory Over South Africa

Babar Azam produced a batting masterclass for the ages on Monday, scoring an unbeaten 156 to guide Pakistan to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the fourth ODI at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, clinching the five-match series 3-1 with one game remaining.

The Pakistani captain was in sublime form throughout his 128-ball innings, striking 14 boundaries and three sixes in what represented his highest ODI score and one of the finest individual performances by a visiting batsman on South African soil. Azam's innings was a perfect blend of classical technique and modern innovation, as he dismantled the Proteas bowling attack with surgical precision.

"This is definitely one of the best innings I've played," Azam said after receiving the player of the match award. "The team needed someone to take responsibility in a series-deciding game, and I'm grateful I could deliver. The way the team has played throughout this series has been exceptional, and to win in South Africa is always special. This gives us great momentum heading into the World Cup preparations."

Pakistan was chasing 287 after South Africa posted 286-7 in their 50 overs, built around Quinton de Kock's elegant 89 and Rassie van der Dussen's patient 71. However, Azam made the chase look routine, finding the perfect partner in Mohammad Rizwan, who contributed an unbeaten 78 in a match-winning partnership of 192 runs.

The turning point came during the middle overs when Azam shifted gears, taking particular toll on the South African spinners. His six over long-on off Keshav Maharaj in the 35th over effectively sealed the victory and sent the traveling Pakistani supporters into raptures. The captain's ability to pace his innings perfectly while maintaining a strike rate above 120 demonstrated the maturity that has made him one of cricket's premier batsmen.

The series victory represents Pakistan's first ODI series win in South Africa since 2013 and provides crucial confidence as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup in India. Azam's leadership both with the bat and in the field has been exemplary throughout the tour, and this innings will be remembered as the moment he truly announced himself as one of the world's elite batsmen. With the final ODI still to be played in Cape Town, Pakistan will look to complete a comprehensive series victory that would send shockwaves through world cricket.