Pakistan's national cricket team star batter Babar Azam continued to make history as he surpassed former Indian captain MS Dhoni's record for the most 50-plus scores in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries. Babar achieved this remarkable feat during his innings of 73 off 95 balls in the second ODI against South Africa on Thursday, December 19, at Newlands in Cape Town.

Babar came in early after Abdullah Shafique’s early dismissal, and along with Saim Ayub, he steadied the Pakistani innings. Saim was eventually dismissed by South Africa’s youngest-ever ODI player, Kwena Maphaka, but Babar continued his fine form, starting his innings with a lovely square drive. After a modest performance in the series opener, where he managed only 23 runs, the number 1 batsman in ODI ranking entered the second ODI determined to make a difference.

His knock of 73 included seven boundaries, and he played a crucial role in taking Pakistan to a competitive total of 329. Babar’s stay at the crease lasted 136 minutes, during which his focus and determination were evident.

With this half-century, Babar Azam overtook Indian legend MS Dhoni on the list of most 50-plus scores in SENA countries across formats. Before this match, both Babar and Dhoni were tied at 38 fifty-plus scores. Babar’s innings in Cape Town now takes him to 39, edging past Dhoni’s long-standing record.

Dhoni, who accumulated 5,273 runs, including 38 half-centuries, in SENA countries throughout his career, was known for his consistency in challenging conditions. Babar, however, has built on his own remarkable record, which now includes 7 centuries and 31 half-centuries in SENA nations.