In a thrilling encounter, Pakistan edged out South Africa by three wickets in the first One-Day International (ODI), chasing down a target of 240 in the final over. The victory was orchestrated by standout performances from Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, who anchored Pakistan’s innings under pressure.
Saim Ayub delivered a masterclass in batting, scoring a commanding 109 runs, his innings laced with elegant strokes and impeccable timing. Salman Ali Agha played a crucial supporting role, smashing 82 runs to ensure Pakistan crossed the finish line in a tightly contested game.
Earlier, South Africa batted first and managed to post 239 for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Heinrich Klaasen was the star performer for the Proteas, top-scoring with a well-crafted 87 runs. His knock provided much-needed stability to the innings amid a disciplined bowling display by Pakistan. Other notable contributions came from Ryan Rickelton, who scored 36 runs, Tony de Zorzi with 33, and Aiden Markram’s 35.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, kept the South African batsmen under control throughout the innings. Salman Ali Agha shone with the ball, delivering an outstanding performance and taking four wickets for just 32 runs in his 10-over spell. Abrar Ahmed also chipped in with two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Saim Ayub picked up one wicket each.
Chasing the modest target, Pakistan faced early setbacks but recovered through a steady partnership between Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha. Their resilience and calculated aggression turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor. Despite losing a few wickets in quick succession during the final overs, the team held its nerve to clinch the win in the dying moments of the match.
The victory gives Pakistan an early lead in the series and sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting contest between the two teams. Fans will be eager to see if South Africa can bounce back in the next game, while Pakistan will aim to carry this momentum forward.