Salman Agha’s maiden ODI century and Mohammad Rizwan’s fourth led Pakistan to their highest successful chase in ODIs, securing a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand on Saturday. The duo, serving as Pakistan’s captain and vice-captain, put together a record-breaking fourth-wicket stand of 260 runs—the highest against South Africa and the fourth-highest in a chase. South Africa had never previously conceded such a large total in a successful chase.
🏏 Well played team Pakistan!
An important boost ahead of the Champions Trophy. The team’s morale is high. Well done team Pakistan Kudos to team management and Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi @MohsinnaqviC42
Let us hope this winning streak continues with more impressive performances…— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 12, 2025
On a pitch tailor-made for batting, Pakistan outshone strong performances from Temba Bavuma, who posted his highest ODI score since September 2023, as well as Matthew Breetzke, who set a record for most runs in the first two ODIs of his career (233), and Heinrich Klaasen, who registered his fourth consecutive 80-plus score in what became the highest-scoring encounter between these two teams.
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It was a tough outing for the bowlers, particularly the pacers. Pakistan’s fast bowlers conceded 206 runs in 28 overs, with Mohammad Hasnain’s eight-over spell proving especially costly at 72 runs. Meanwhile, South Africa’s quicks gave away 223 runs in 27 overs. The loss extended South Africa’s losing streak to six consecutive ODIs.
More concerning for South Africa than the defeat was the injury to Heinrich Klaasen, who suffered a blow to his right thumb from a low-bouncing delivery by Corbin Bosch in the 32nd over. He was forced to leave the field, handing over wicketkeeping duties to Kyle Verreynne. No immediate update was available on Klaasen’s condition.
Pakistan had never conceded more runs in Karachi and had only once allowed South Africa to post a higher total against them, making the chase a daunting challenge. However, their response was swift, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam putting on 56 runs in the first six overs, aggressively targeting both Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch. Wiaan Mulder was introduced early, in the seventh over, and struck with his first legal delivery, trapping Babar lbw as he tried to flick the ball off his pads. A review confirmed no bat involvement, and the ball was heading straight for middle stump.
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Saud Shakeel, brought into the XI for this match, kept the momentum going with 15 off 16 balls before mistiming a pull off Bosch, sending a catch to Mulder at deep mid-wicket. Pakistan’s powerplay total of 91 for 2 was their third-highest since 2002, setting a solid foundation.
South Africa gained an advantage four balls into the 11th over when Fakhar edged a Mulder delivery behind, with Klaasen taking a diving catch to his left. Rizwan, having faced just two balls—one of which he pulled for four—was then joined by Salman for a crucial rebuilding phase.
Pakistan managed only one boundary over the next seven overs as the required run rate crept above 7.3. However, they gradually found their rhythm, with Salman capitalizing on fuller deliveries from the spinners while both batters rotated the strike effectively. At the halfway mark, Pakistan reached 163 for 3, needing 190 more runs.
Senuran Muthusamy entered the attack at this point, and by his third over, Rizwan targeted him, launching a shot over long-on to bring up the 100-run partnership. Rizwan reached his fifty by then, and Salman followed suit soon after, getting to his half-century off 51 balls.