Paarl (Web Desk): Pakistan defeated South Africa by three wickets in the first one-day international (ODI) of the three-match series at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday.
Chasing a modest target of 240, Pakistan found themselves in a precarious situation before ultimately getting over the line with just three balls remaining.
Saim Ayub was the cornerstone of Pakistan's chase, blasting a superb 109 off 106 balls. His aggressive stroke play, which included 10 boundaries and three sixes, held the innings together, but his efforts were complemented by a crucial knock from Salman Ali Agha, who, calm under pressure, contributed 82 runs from 90 balls, guiding his side through the middle overs with four boundaries and two sixes. Their partnership was crucial, as the Pakistani top and middle order crumbled around them.
Babar Azam could only muster 23 runs from 38 balls, while the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Irfan Khan Niazi were dismissed for just a single run each. Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen Afridi went without scoring, putting immense pressure on the remaining batters. With the target in sight, Kamran Ghulam was run out for 4, leaving Pakistan in a tense situation.
However, Ayub and Agha's grit ensured the target was eventually chased down, giving Pakistan a thrilling win.
Earlier, South Africa, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a total of 239/9 in their 50 overs.
The home side started well, with openers Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi adding 70 runs in just 9.4 overs.
But once Salman Ali Agha was introduced into the attack, things quickly went south for the hosts. Agha picked up four wickets in quick succession, reducing South Africa to 88/4, a dramatic collapse that turned the game in Pakistan's favour.
Heinrich Klaasen, however, played a resilient knock. His 86 off 97 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes, brought South Africa back into the game. Alongside Aiden Markram, who made a slow but valuable 35 off 54 balls, Klaasen formed a vital partnership worth 73 runs. Markram’s dismissal by Saim Ayub in the 32nd over broke the stand, but Klaasen continued to fight, eventually falling to Shaheen Afridi.
Klaasen received little support from the tail, though Marco Jansen (10), Andile Phehlukwayo (1), Kagiso Rabada (11), and Ottneil Baartman (10*) all added small but important runs to lift South Africa's total to a competitive 239. Despite his best efforts, Klaasen’s departure in the 45th over left the lower order with too much to do.
Pakistan's bowling attack was led by the impressive Salman Ali Agha, who claimed 4/32 in his four overs. Abrar Ahmed provided solid support with two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Saim Ayub chipped in with a wicket apiece. Agha’s all-round performance was pivotal in turning the game in Pakistan's favor.
In the end, Pakistan's ability to hold their nerve in the chase, combined with Agha’s match-winning performance with both bat and ball, gave them the victory. With the win, Pakistan take a 1-0 lead in the series, with the remaining two matches set to offer more excitement as both teams look to seize the series advantage.
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