PAARL, South Africa: A brilliant four-wicket spell by Salman Ali Agha helped Pakistan restrict South Africa to 239/9 in the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Boland Park on Wednesday.
South Africa, opting to bat first under the leadership of stand-in captain Aiden Markram, began on a solid note. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton forged a commanding 70-run partnership in the first 10 overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers fought back with Salman Ali Agha delivering a game-changing spell.
The off-spinner dismantled South Africa’s top order, removing de Zorzi, Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Tristan Stubbs in quick succession. His remarkable performance left the hosts reeling and shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favour.
In the middle overs, Heinrich Klaasen led South Africa’s recovery, anchoring the innings with a determined 86 off 108 balls.
Klaasen, along with Markram, added 73 valuable runs for the fifth wicket before the latter fell to spinner Saim Ayub while attempting a pull shot.
Klaasen continued to hold the innings together, finding support from Marco Jansen in a 50-run stand. Abrar Ahmed then struck twice to dismiss Jansen and disrupt South Africa’s momentum once more.
Despite Klaasen’s valiant effort, he fell short of a century, departing just 14 runs shy after a gritty knock.
South Africa’s lower order, led by Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman, chipped in with a crucial 25-run partnership for the last wicket, helping the team finish at 239/9 in their 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha was the standout bowler, claiming 4 for 34, while Abrar Ahmed impressed with 2 for 40. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub picked up one wicket each.
With a 240-run target, Pakistan has a golden opportunity to take the lead in the series.
Pakistan Playing XI
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 Playing XI
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
