South African batsman Cameron Delport struck the fastest century in the history of the Pakistan Super League on Saturday.

Delport’s ton arrived off a mere 49 deliveries as Islamabad United triumphed over the Lahore Qalandars at the national stadium in Karachi.

He eventually finished with 117 not out from 60 balls, which featured 13 fours and six sixes. He was particularly fruitful against fellow South African David Wiese, who proved expensive for the Qalandars.

The hard-hitting Delport is currently the 2019 tournament’s third-highest run-scorer with 289 in 10 innings, after Quetta Gladiators batsman Shane Watson’s 332 and United recruit Luke Ronchi’s 297.

The result propelled the Islamabad franchise to the next stage of the tournament, which also features other South Africans, including batsmen Colin Ingram and Rilee Rossouw – and all-rounder Wayne Parnell.

Former Proteas captain AB de Villiers was with the Qalandars until a back injury prevented further participation in early March.

‘I am very disappointed that I will not be able to play in front of the passionate Pakistani cricket fans. I saw my doctor, who has advised complete rest for two weeks, and unfortunately that rules me out of the games in Karachi,’ said De Villiers earlier this month.

‘I hope to be a part of the PSL next year and very much hope to play my part in the return of international cricket to the country. I am backing Lahore Qalandars to go all the way and win the trophy this year.’

Photo: Gallo