KARACHI: Pakistan secured a place in the final of the tri-nation ODI series after pulling off a historic run chase against South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.
A record fourth-wicket partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha guided the home side to a thrilling six-wicket victory in a high-stakes elimination match.
Chasing an imposing 353-run target, Pakistan achieved the milestone with six balls to spare, thanks to Rizwan and Salman’s 260-run stand—the highest fourth-wicket partnership in Pakistan’s ODI history during a run chase.
Salman’s maiden ODI century and Rizwan’s composed ton turned the tide after an early collapse threatened Pakistan’s hopes.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a shaky start when opener Babar Azam was dismissed for 23 off 19 balls by Wiaan Mulder in the seventh over.
Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel provided a brief 36-run partnership before both departed in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 91-3 in the 11th over. Fakhar contributed 41 off 28 balls, while Saud managed 15 from 16 deliveries.
With Pakistan in trouble, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan stepped up to stabilise the innings. Salman played a career-defining knock, scoring 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes, before falling to Lungi Ngidi in the penultimate over.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 from 128 deliveries, striking nine fours and three sixes, ensuring Pakistan crossed the finish line comfortably.
For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder took two wickets, while Ngidi and Corbin Bosch claimed one each.
South Africa post mammoth total
Earlier, South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, posted a formidable 352/5 after opting to bat first. The Proteas’ top order laid a solid foundation, with Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke forging a 119-run partnership for the second wicket.
Opener Tony de Zorzi made a brisk 21 before falling to Shaheen Afridi in the eighth over. Bavuma was eventually run out for a well-made 82 off 96 balls, while Breetzke anchored the innings with an 83-run knock off 84 deliveries.
Wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen added late fireworks, smashing 87 off just 56 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes. His efforts propelled South Africa past the 350-run mark despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with two wickets for 66 runs, while Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah picked up a wicket each.
Salman Ali Agha’s century proved to be a breakthrough performance in his ODI career. Prior to this match, he had accumulated 736 runs at an average of 40.88, with five half-centuries but no centuries.
BOUNDARY TO FINISH OFF A MEMORABLE CHASE 🌟
Karachi has witnessed history today 😍#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/q8OWB9Q99P
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025
Mohammad Rizwan, known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, played a pivotal role in keeping the required run rate under control.
Tri-nation series final
The tri-nation series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, is a crucial preparatory event ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. With this win, Pakistan secured their place in the final, where they will face New Zealand on February 14.
Pakistan Playing XI
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 Playing XI
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.
