Faisalabad, November 4, 2025 – Pakistan clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first One-Day International (ODI) at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Batting first, South Africa posted 263 runs all out in 49.1 overs, with strong contributions from Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock, who built a solid 98-run opening stand. However, the visitors lost momentum after the openers’ dismissals and failed to convert their start into a bigger total. Pakistan’s bowlers kept things tight — Abrar Ahmed claimed three crucial wickets, while Saim Ayub chipped in with vital breakthroughs.
In reply, Pakistan began confidently, with their openers putting up 87 runs for the first wicket. Although Babar Azam fell early, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the chase with a crucial 91-run partnership. The game took several twists in the final overs as Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession, but the lower order held their nerve to cross the finish line in 49.4 overs.
Agha, who played a match-winning knock under pressure, was declared the Player of the Match. “I would have liked to finish the game myself, but it was a great win overall,” he said.
South African captain Matthew Breetzke admitted his side was “20–30 runs short” but praised his bowlers for fighting till the end.
What appeared to be an easy chase turned into a tense last-over thriller, providing fans with a classic ODI finish in Faisalabad.