Pakistan made history with their highest-ever successful ODI chase, beating South Africa by six wickets in Karachi. Salman Agha hit his maiden ODI century, while Mohammad Rizwan, the captain, scored an unbeaten 122. Their record-breaking 260-run partnership secured Pakistan’s spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand. South Africa, meanwhile, endured their sixth consecutive ODI loss.
South Africa’s Strong Start
South Africa set a daunting target of 352 for Pakistan. Temba Bavuma scored 82, his highest ODI score since 2023, while Matthew Breetzke and Heinrich Klaasen contributed 83 and 87, respectively. Despite their solid batting, the Proteas failed to defend the total. The match became the highest-scoring ODI between these two teams.
Bavuma and Breetzke built a strong platform with a powerplay score of 64 for 1. Breetzke’s aggressive strokes allowed Bavuma to play a more measured game. Bavuma reached his half-century but fell short of a century due to a mix-up that led to a run-out. Breetzke followed soon after, caught by Salman Agha in the deep.
Read:Â Pakistan Makes Two Key Changes for South Africa Clash
Pakistan’s Brisk Chase
Pakistan’s chase started strongly with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam adding 56 runs in the first six overs. However, Wiaan Mulder dismissed Babar early, trapping him lbw. Saud Shakeel chipped in with a quick 15 before falling to Corbin Bosch. Fakhar also departed after edging Mulder, leaving Pakistan at 91 for 3.
Rizwan and Salman then took charge, rebuilding the innings. Despite early pressure and a rising required run rate, the pair rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries. By the halfway mark, Pakistan had reached 163 for 3, needing 190 runs to win.
Record-Breaking Partnership
Salman and Rizwan accelerated as the innings progressed. Salman capitalized on full deliveries from the spinners, while Rizwan unleashed powerful strokes to keep the scoreboard ticking. The duo reached their 100-run partnership with a towering six from Rizwan. Both batters soon crossed the 90-run mark, and Rizwan completed his century with a six. Salman followed suit, reaching his hundred off 87 balls.
The duo brought Pakistan within striking distance, needing just 32 runs from the final five overs. Despite Salman’s late dismissal, Pakistan crossed the target with six balls to spare.
Klaasen’s Injury and Pakistan’s Bowling Woes
South Africa’s hopes suffered a blow when Klaasen injured his thumb after a ball from Corbin Bosch stayed low. He left the field with 31 runs needed in Pakistan’s chase. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, conceding 206 runs in 28 overs. Mohammad Hasnain’s eight overs alone cost 72 runs.
Despite their bowling challenges, Pakistan’s batting brilliance proved decisive. Salman and Rizwan’s partnership will be remembered as one of the greatest in ODI history, and Pakistan now turns its attention to the tri-series final against New Zealand.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
