When Pakistan began its chase, hopes were high for Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, but the early wickets put pressure on the team
13 February, 2025
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PHOTO: AFP
In a thrilling encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan chased down a challenging target of 353 runs to secure a remarkable six-wicket victory over South Africa. This victory also set a new record for Pakistan’s highest successful chase in ODI history.
When Pakistan began its chase, hopes were high for Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, but the early wickets put pressure on the team. The pair added 57 runs in just 6.1 overs before Babar Azam was dismissed for 23 runs, trapped LBW by Wiaan Mulder. Saud Shakeel followed shortly after, making 15 runs before being caught off a delivery from Corbin Bosch. Fakhar Zaman, who had been in good form, was dismissed for 41, caught behind by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen off Mulder’s bowling. At 91/3, Pakistan’s situation looked precarious.
However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha took charge, building a historic partnership. Both players expertly dealt with South Africa’s bowling attack, adding 260 runs for the fourth wicket. Rizwan and Agha held their ground against both spinners and fast bowlers, maintaining steady progress throughout the chase. Rizwan reached his fourth career century, while Salman, also reached his first three figures. Both players thanked Allah in a moment of gratitude after achieving their milestones.
Salman Ali Agha played a brilliant knock of 134 runs off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. He was dismissed when Pakistan needed just two more runs to win, caught by Kyle Verreynne off Lungi Ngidi. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 runs off 128 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes. With his steady performance, Rizwan guided the team to victory. Tayyab Tahir quickly hit a boundary to take Pakistan past the target, completing the chase with six balls to spare.
For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder took two wickets, giving away 79 runs in his 10 overs, while Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, South Africa set a daunting target of 353 runs, finishing with 352/5 in their 50 overs. Their innings started well, with opening batsman Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi adding 51 runs for the first wicket. Shaheen Shah Afridi made the breakthrough, dismissing de Zorzi for 22 runs. Bavuma then formed a solid 119-run partnership with Matthew Breetzke, who impressed in his second by scoring 83 runs off 84 balls.
Bavuma was dismissed for 82 runs, run out after a misunderstanding with Breetzke. Breetzke and Heinrich Klaasen kept up the pressure, with Breetzke nearing his second consecutive century before being caught off Khushdil Shah’s bowling. Klaasen played a quick-fire innings, scoring 87 runs off 56 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes. His innings was cut short when he was caught by Shaheen Shah Afridi off Naseem Shah’s delivery.
South Africa finished their innings at 352/5, with Kyle Verreynne unbeaten on 44. Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking two wickets for 66 runs.
With this win, Pakistan secured a place in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series and completed their highest-ever successful chase in ODI history.
