Skip to content

Pakistan beat South Africa in thrilling 1st ODI to take 1-0 lead in three-match series

  • by

A scintillating century from Saim Ayub and a remarkable all-round performance from Salman Ali Agha guided Pakistan to a thrilling 3-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Boland Park in Paarl on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 240 runs, Pakistan’s pursuit got off to a shaky start as Marco Jansen struck early, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for a duck. The visitors struggled further when Babar Azam, who contributed 23 off 38 balls, fell to Beuran Hendricks, leaving Pakistan at 60 for 3. Captain Mohammad Rizwan followed soon after, undone by a sharp delivery, further adding pressure.

Adding to the drama, a communication mix-up between Kamran Ghulam and Ayub resulted in another setback, as Pakistan were reduced to 60 for 4. With 180 runs still required, the match appeared to be slipping out of Pakistan’s grasp.

Saim Ayub, who displayed composure beyond his years, partnered with vice-captain Salman Ali Agha to turn the game around. Together, they stitched a crucial 141-run stand for the fifth wicket. Ayub anchored the innings with a superb 109 off 119 balls, including 10 boundaries and three sixes, before falling to Kagiso Rabada. His dismissal left Pakistan needing 39 runs off 52 balls, reigniting South Africa’s hopes.

Rabada further tightened the contest by dismissing Irfan Khan Niazi and Shaheen Afridi in quick succession. With the game on a knife’s edge, Salman Ali Agha assumed responsibility, calmly guiding Pakistan towards the target. Despite the pressure, tailender Naseem Shah played a key role by holding one end and rotating strike.

In a nail-biting finish, Salman smashed the winning shot in the final over when Pakistan required two runs off four deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 82 off 87 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes, showcasing nerves of steel.

Earlier in the match, South African captain Aiden Markram opted to bat first after winning the toss. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton capitalized on the powerplay, putting up a solid 70-run stand. However, Pakistan found their breakthrough through Salman Ali Agha, who turned the game in his team’s favor with an exceptional spell.

Salman’s introduction into the attack triggered a collapse, as he dismissed Zorzi (33) and Rickelton (36) in quick succession. His dominance continued in the 14th over when he sent Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs back to the pavilion for ducks. South Africa, reeling at 88 for 4, lost four wickets for just 18 runs in a dramatic phase.

The Proteas fought back through Heinrich Klaasen and Markram, who added 73 runs for the fifth wicket. Klaasen top-scored with a resilient 86, while Markram chipped in with 35. Despite their efforts, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Salman (4/32), restricted South Africa to a modest total of 239/9. Abrar Ahmed also contributed with two wickets.

Salman Ali Agha was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round performance. Speaking after the game, he credited his partnership with Ayub for turning the tide and praised the young batter’s ability to hold his nerve. Salman shared his award with Ayub, saying, “It was fantastic batting alongside Saim Ayub, who gave me confidence early in my innings. Facing a strong bowling attack and reaching a century with wickets falling around him is remarkable.”

Saim Ayub, reflecting on his match-winning innings, emphasized the importance of belief and learning from senior players. “Partnering with Salman gave me a lot of experience. The key was to stay calm and trust the process,” Ayub remarked.

Pakistan’s captain Muhammad Rizwan also commended Agha’s gesture, noting its positive impact on team morale. “Salman’s gesture really boosts the morale of the team. Moments like these highlight the unity and support within our squad,” Rizwan said.

Also See: Pakistan vs South Africa (PAK vs SA) Series Home | Pakistan vs South Africa Schedule

Match Summary:

  • South Africa: 239/9 (Heinrich Klaasen 86, Aiden Markram 35; Salman Ali Agha 4/32, Abrar Ahmed 2 wickets)
  • Pakistan: 240/7 (Saim Ayub 109, Salman Ali Agha 82*)
  • Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
  • Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha (4 wickets, 82* runs)

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi

Schedule of matches:

  • 17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PST)
  • 19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PST)
  • 22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PST)
Tags: