Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan delivered sensational centuries to lead Pakistan to a thrilling six-wicket win over South Africa in the Tri-Nation ODI Series at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. Pakistan chased down an imposing target of 353 runs with eight balls to spare, booking their spot in the final of the tournament.
Historic Partnership Seals Victory
At 91/3, Pakistan’s run chase seemed in trouble, but Agha and Rizwan orchestrated a masterclass. The duo built a record-breaking 248-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the highest in a Pakistan ODI run chase.
Agha dazzled with a powerful 134 off 103 balls, smashing 16 boundaries and two sixes. Rizwan, calm and composed, remained unbeaten on 122 from 128 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes to guide Pakistan home.
Captain Babar Azam fell early for 23, while Fakhar Zaman (41) and Saud Shakeel (15) contributed briefly before Agha and Rizwan took charge, ensuring a memorable victory for Pakistan.
South Africa Sets a Mammoth Target
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bat, a decision that paid off as the visitors posted 352/5 in 50 overs.
Bavuma scored a brilliant 82 off 96 balls, supported by a 119-run second-wicket stand with Matthew Breetzke, who top-scored with 83 off 84 balls. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 87 from 56 deliveries in the final overs pushed the Proteas past the 350-mark.
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi led the bowling attack with figures of 2/66 in his 10 overs. Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah chipped in with a wicket each, but South Africa’s aggressive batting made the chase challenging.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan’s stunning comeback and dominant chase secured their place in the Tri-Nation ODI Series final, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal. This victory underlines Pakistan’s resilience and batting depth, particularly under pressure.
With the form of Agha and Rizwan, Pakistan will enter the final as strong contenders for the trophy.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicketkeeper), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
