Karachi (Web Desk): In a thrilling encounter at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan secured a six-wicket victory over South Africa to seal their place in the final of the Tri-Nation Series.
Chasing a challenging target of 353, Pakistan managed to cross the line with six balls to spare, thanks to a remarkable partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.
The duo’s 260-run stand for the fourth wicket broke all records, turning what seemed like a steep chase into a successful pursuit.
The chase didn’t start smoothly for the hosts as Babar Azam, struggling to find form as an opener, was dismissed cheaply for 23 by Wiaan Mulder. Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s in-form opener, also fell shortly after, contributing 41 runs. Saud Shakeel followed suit, leaving
Pakistan in a precarious position at 91/3 after 10.4 overs. However, Agha and Rizwan came together at a crucial juncture, and their partnership began to shift the momentum.
Agha, playing a captain’s role, led the charge with a blistering 134 off 103 balls, while Rizwan, steady and composed, finished unbeaten on 122 from 128 deliveries.
The partnership left South Africa with little chance of defending their total, even though Lungi Ngidi picked up the wicket of Agha late in the game.
Despite the loss of Agha, Rizwan guided Pakistan to victory, ensuring they met the required target with six balls to spare.
South Africa had earlier posted a formidable total of 352/5, with key contributions from captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 82, and Matthew Breetzke, who made 83.
They provided the backbone of South Africa’s innings, while Klaasen’s late flurry of 87 from 56 balls took the score beyond 350. Pakistan's bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi, who claimed two wickets for 66 runs, kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
Despite the efforts of Klaasen and a few others, Pakistan's chase always seemed within reach, and the late partnership ensured they would reach the final.
Pakistan's win was a testament to the strength of their middle-order, with Rizwan and Agha’s performances overshadowing early batting struggles.
With the win, Pakistan will look to build on this momentum heading into the tournament's final, hoping to continue their solid performances and claim the title.
Teams
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
