Pakistan down South Africa in first ODI after thrilling finish

Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan struck fine half-centuries as Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the three-match ODI series edging South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling opener at the Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan reached the mark with two balls to spare, finishing at 264-8. Salman (62) and Rizwan (55), supported by Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), anchored the chase after a steady start from the top order.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock (63) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57) powered South Africa to 263 all out in 49.1 overs. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed were the pick of Pakistan’s bowlers, claiming three wickets each.

Set to chase 264, openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub provided a strong platform, adding 87 runs off 92 balls for the first wicket. Off-spinner Denovan Fereira broke the partnership by trapping Saim lbw. The left-hander struck four fours and a six in his brisk 42-ball 39.

Fakhar continued positively but soon followed, caught by Bjorn Fortuin off Fereira for a solid 57-ball 45 that featured two sixes and four boundaries. Soon after, Fortuin struck again, dismissing Babar Azam lbw for 7, leaving Pakistan at 105-3 in the 20th over.

At this stage, Agha Salman joined Mohammad Rizwan, and the duo steadied the innings with a vital 91-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rizwan, who brought up his 17th ODI fifty off 66 balls, scored a responsible 55 from 74 deliveries, including six fours. He was eventually caught at deep square leg by Pretorius off Corbin Bosch, with Pakistan at 196-4, still needing 68 runs from 70 balls.

Agha then held firm, adding 45 runs for the fifth wicket with Hussain Talat before Lungi Ngidi removed Talat for 22 off 25 balls. George Linde dismissed Hasan Nawaz (1), while Ngidi returned to claim the crucial wicket of Agha Salman, who had compiled a well-crafted 62 off 71 balls, hitting five fours and a six.

With 12 runs required off the final two overs, Pakistan collected eight from Fereira’s over, leaving four to win from the last six balls. Shaheen Afridi managed two runs off the first ball and a single off the next. Bosch dismissed Nawaz (9) before Naseem Shah secured the victory with a leg-bye, sealing a hard-fought win for the hosts. Shaheen remained unbeaten on 4.For South Africa, Ngidi, Fereira, and Bosch claimed two wickets apiece.

Earlier, after being invited to bat, South Africa got off to a commanding start. Quinton de Kock and 19-year-old debutant Lhuan-dré Pretorius came out with intent, batting at a brisk pace and finding the gaps with ease. Pretorius, in particular, looked in sublime touch. The pair added 98 runs for the opening stand off just 96 balls, providing the visitors with a solid foundation.

It was left-arm spinner Saim Ayub who finally broke the threatening partnership. He delivered a ball that pitched on off-stump and spun away from the left-hander, forcing Pretorius to lob an easy catch to Mohammad Nawaz at point. Pretorius, who brought up his maiden fifty on debut off 47 balls, crafted a fine 60-ball 57 that included seven fours and a six.

Tony de Zorzi then joined de Kock, and the duo looked to keep up the momentum, adding 43 runs for the second wicket. However, Naseem Shah struck at a crucial moment, clean bowling de Kock to reduce South Africa to 141 for 2 in the 25th over. De Kock, who registered his 31st ODI fifty off 50 balls, played a fluent innings of 63 from 71 deliveries, laced with six fours and two sixes.

Captain Matthew Breetzke then combined with de Zorzi to steady the innings, adding 44 runs for the third wicket. But Saim Ayub struck again, this time holding a return catch off his own bowling to dismiss de Zorzi for 18 (20 balls, one four, one six). At 147 for 3, South Africa needed a substantial partnership to consolidate their early advantage.

Debutant Sinethemba Qeshile joined Breetzke, and the pair contributed another 44 runs for the fourth wicket. Just as they looked set, Mohammad Nawaz dismissed Qeshile—caught by Fakhar Zaman—for a handy 22 off 23 balls, leaving the visitors at 191 for 4 in the 34th over.

From there, Pakistan’s spinners took control. Abrar Ahmed ripped through the lower order, while Naseem Shah added vital breakthroughs to leave South Africa reeling at 228 for 8 in the 44th over. Abrar dismissed Denovan Ferreira (3), Matthew Breetzke (42 off 54 balls, two sixes, two fours), and Bjorn Fortuin (0) in quick succession, while Naseem accounted for George Linde (2).

At that point, it was Corbin Bosch who played a lone hand, crafting a valuable 41 off 40 balls with six boundaries to guide his side to a respectable total. His resistance ended when Shaheen Afridi bowled him in the 49th over. Naseem Shah then wrapped up the innings, clean bowling Lizaad Williams (1) as South Africa were bowled out late in the innings.

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah (3–40) and Abrar Ahmed (3–53) were the standout performers with the ball, while Saim Ayub (2–39) provided excellent support. Mohammad Nawaz (1–45) and Shaheen Afridi (1–55) chipped in with key wickets to complete a disciplined bowling effort.