PAARL, South Africa: Pakistan secured a nail-biting three-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series, successfully chasing a target of 240 with just three balls to spare at Boland Park, Paarl, on Tuesday.
Pakistan reached 242/7 in 49.3 overs, thanks to stellar performances from Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, who played key roles in the Green Shirts’ victory.
Saim Ayub shone with the bat, top-scoring for Pakistan with a composed 109 off 115 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.
Salman Ali Agha emerged as the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. He contributed an unbeaten 82 off 90 balls in a match-defining knock and earlier claimed four crucial wickets for just 32 runs in his spell, dismantling the South African batting lineup.
The match swung in both teams’ favour at different points. Pakistan faced early setbacks, losing key wickets, including Babar Azam (23 off 38 balls) and Mohammad Rizwan (1), who were both dismissed by Ottniel Baartman.
But a decisive fifth-wicket partnership between Ayub and Salman steadied the ship and set the stage for a thrilling finish. Naseem Shah’s 9 runs not out at the tail end ensured Pakistan crossed the line with three balls to spare.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, putting up 239 runs in their 50 overs. The Proteas got off to a strong start with a 70-run opening partnership between Tony de Zorzi (33) and Ryan Rickelton (36).
However, Salman Ali Agha’s magical spell disrupted their momentum. Agha dismissed both openers before quickly removing Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs to leave South Africa struggling.
Aiden Markram (41) and Heinrich Klaasen (86) attempted to rescue their side with a crucial 73-run stand, but Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed struck to remove Markram and Marco Jansen, respectively.
Shaheen Afridi claimed the prized wicket of Klaasen, while Abrar wrapped up the tail, dismissing Andile Phehlukwayo for one run.
For South Africa, Baartman (2/40), Kagiso Rabada (1/33), and Tabraiz Shamsi showed control with the ball. However, a costly 22-run over from Baartman in the latter stages allowed Pakistan to gain the upper hand.
This thrilling victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, with two matches remaining.
Pakistan Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)
South Africa Playing XI
Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs.
