Paarl (Web Desk): In the opening match of the three-match one-day international (ODI) series between South Africa and Pakistan, the Proteas posted a challenging target of 240 runs, with Heinrich Klaasen leading the charge with an impressive knock of 86 runs.
Despite a strong bowling performance from Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, who took four wickets to dent South Africa’s progress, the hosts managed to set a competitive total at Boland Park, Paarl.
Pakistan's squad for the series blended experienced players with new faces.
The pace attack was bolstered by the return of Naseem Shah, alongside the established duo of Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were entrusted with the opening duties, as Pakistan looked to establish a solid platform early in the chase.
The series marks a significant chapter in Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy journey. After taking the reins in November against Australia, where he led Pakistan to a historic 2-1 series victory on Australian soil, Rizwan's leadership was again put to the test in their subsequent series against Zimbabwe, which Pakistan won 2-1.
However, the beginning of their South Africa tour has not gone as planned, with Pakistan losing the T20I series 2-0, leaving them eager for a strong response in the ODI format.
For South Africa, the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma in the first ODI was a notable development, as the team opted to rest him for strategic reasons ahead of their upcoming Test commitments.
Aiden Markram stepped in as the stand-in captain, with Bavuma expected to return later in the series.
This move reflects South Africa's focus on managing player workloads, particularly with the looming Test series and the build-up to the Champions Trophy in 2025.
The Test series is of significant importance for South Africa as they aim to secure a place in the World Test Championship final, further underscoring the careful balancing of short and long-format cricket priorities.
Teams
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
