Pakistan Clinch Thrilling Two-Wicket Victory Over South Africa in Faisalabad ODI
Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in the opening ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, after a gripping contest that went right down to the final over. The hosts chased down 264 runs with one ball to spare, despite late drama that nearly turned a comfortable pursuit into a collapse.
After Naseem Shah (3-40) and Abrar Ahmed (3-53) inspired a middle-order collapse to restrict South Africa to 263, Pakistan’s batting lineup, led by Agha Salman (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (55), guided the team to a nail-biting win.
Naseem and Abrar Lead Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
South Africa, after being sent in to bat, made a solid start through Quinton de Kock (63) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57). The pair added 98 runs, punishing Pakistan’s pacers and spinners alike on a dry, flat Faisalabad track.
However, the introduction of Naseem Shah turned the tide. Switching angles and maintaining tight lines, he dismissed de Kock and applied pressure during the middle overs. Abrar Ahmed, after an expensive opening spell, returned strongly to dismiss Breetzke and Fortuin, sparking a collapse that saw South Africa lose five wickets for just 37 runs.
Despite Corbin Bosch (32) adding late resistance, South Africa were bowled out for 263, a total that looked competitive but slightly below par on a batting-friendly surface.
A Strong Start Turns into a Mid-Innings Scare
Pakistan’s chase began in commanding fashion. Initially, openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub blazed to an 87-run partnership inside 15 overs, putting Pakistan firmly on top. Furthermore, their aggressive strokeplay mirrored South Africa’s start, with boundaries flowing freely.
But debutant Donovan Ferreira brought South Africa back into the contest, removing both openers in quick succession. Soon after, Bjorn Fortuin trapped Babar Azam (7) plumb in front, leaving Faisalabad’s crowd stunned.
At 92 for 3, Pakistan needed composure — and Rizwan, fresh from being relieved of ODI captaincy duties, provided exactly that.
Rizwan and Agha Anchor the Chase
The pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman steadied the innings with a vital 91-run partnership. Their calm and calculated approach countered South Africa’s spinners and brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory.
Agha’s fluent 62 off 66 and Rizwan’s composed 55 off 71 highlighted their ability to rotate strike and find gaps. However, just when Pakistan seemed home, a late stumble reignited South African hopes.
Late Drama and Nawaz’s Heroics
After Rizwan’s dismissal by Bosch, South Africa tightened their grip. Wickets of Talat, Hasan Nawaz, and Agha Salman created chaos as Pakistan slipped dangerously close to defeat.
With only a few runs remaining, Mohammad Nawaz emerged as the unlikely hero, smashing a straight six in the final over to seal victory. The hosts eventually crossed the line via a leg-bye, limping to the finish with two wickets in hand.
Pakistan Take 1–0 Lead in the Series
While Pakistan celebrated, the team will be aware of its inconsistency during the chase. The win was far from smooth — but it showcased Pakistan’s depth and fighting spirit. South Africa, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances and lower-order collapse that cost them 20–30 crucial runs.
With two ODIs remaining, the series promises to be a closely fought affair. Pakistan lead 1–0, but both teams know there’s plenty left to play for.
Match Summary
- South Africa: 263 all out (de Kock 63, Pretorius 57, Naseem 3-40, Abrar 3-53)
- Pakistan: 264/8 (Agha 62, Rizwan 55, Bosch 2-32, Ngidi 2-46)
- Result: Pakistan won by 2 wickets
- Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Series: Pakistan lead 1–0
Key Takeaways
- Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed’s combined six wickets were vital in restricting South Africa.
- Agha Salman and Rizwan’s partnership proved decisive in a tricky chase.
Pakistan Holds Nerve in Dramatic Faisalabad Finish. Pakistan’s late-order nerves remain a concern ahead of the next ODI.
