Saim’s century, Agha’s heroics seal thrilling win for Pakistan

Saim Ayub played a stellar role in guiding Pakistan to a thrilling victory in the first ODI against South Africa in Paarl, chasing down a target of 240.

After Pakistan slumped to 60 for 4, Ayub and Salman Ali Agha turned the game around with a brilliant partnership of 141 runs. Ayub, who had struggled early, found his rhythm and struck a magnificent century, his second in three last three ODI innings. Agha, with an unbeaten 82, held his nerve in a tense finish, and despite late wickets, Pakistan sealed the win with three balls and three wickets to spare.

Earlier, South Africa were restricted to 239 for 9, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort from Pakistan. Agha's offspin was the standout, as he claimed four wickets, ripping through the South African top order. After a strong start from Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton, Agha's intervention shifted the momentum in Pakistan’s favor, and the hosts were left reeling at 88 for 4. Heinrich Klaasen fought back with a composed 86, but it was not enough to revive the innings. Pakistan's seamers, led by Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, kept the pressure on as South Africa continued to lose wickets.

Pakistan’s chase looked precarious after early wickets, but Ayub and Agha’s partnership kept them in the hunt. Ayub, initially scratching for runs, exploded into form, taking on Baartman with two sixes and a four in an over. His majestic six off Kagiso Rabada brought up his century and brought Pakistan closer to the target. Ayub eventually fell, but Agha remained calm, guiding Pakistan across the line with Naseem Shah’s support.

The match saw pivotal moments, with Agha’s contribution both with the ball and bat proving crucial to the win. Despite his own match-winning performance, Agha generously handed the Player of the Match award to Ayub in recognition of his game-changing century. The win was a testament to Pakistan's resilience, with both Ayub and Agha playing key roles in securing a hard-fought victory.

Teams:

South Africa Playing XI: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan Playing XI: 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.