What a thrilling win! Pakistan defeated South Africa by 3 wickets in the first ODI, chasing down 240 runs with just 3 wickets remaining.
The match of the 3-match ODI series took place in Paarl, South Africa, where the hosts won the toss and decided to bat first.
South Africa managed to score 239 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 50 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 240 runs. Pakistan chased down the target successfully, losing 7 wickets in the final over.
Heinrich Klaasen was the standout for South Africa, scoring 86 runs with 2 sixes and 7 fours. Ryan Rickelton (36), Aiden Markram (35), and Tony de Zorzi (33) also made solid contributions. Marco Jansen and Wayne Parnell got out for 10 and 8, respectively, while Tristan Stubbs and Andile Phehlukwayo managed just 1 run each.
For Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha was the hero, taking 4 wickets. Abrar Ahmed claimed 2, and Shaheen Afridi and Saim Ayub took 1 wicket each.
Chasing 240, Pakistan lost its first wicket early with Abdullah Shafiq going out for a duck at just 2 runs. Babar Azam made 23 before being dismissed, Mohammad Rizwan scored 1, and Kamran Ghulam added just 4 runs.
Then, Saim Ayub stepped up and played an amazing innings. Along with Agha Salman, he built the chase. Saim scored a brilliant 109 runs, his second ODI century, before being dismissed at 201 total runs.
Irfan Khan made 1 run, and Shaheen Afridi was dismissed for a duck.
Agha Salman held his ground and, with Naseem Shah, steered Pakistan to victory in the final over. Agha remained not out at 82, while Naseem Shah was 9 not out.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Bartman took 2 wickets each.
Agha Salman was named Player of the Match for his awesome all-round performance.
Pakistan’s playing XI for the first ODI included Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.