Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan set new records in history against South Africa

Pakistan’s middle-order batter, Salman Ali Agha and captain Mohammad Rizwan, made history with their remarkable partnership during the third match of the tri-series against South Africa in Karachi.

Pakistan won the match by 6 wickets, securing a crucial victory. The highlight of the game was the record-breaking 260-run partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan for the fourth wicket. 

At one point, Pakistan had lost their first three batsmen—Babar Azam (23), Saud Shakeel (15), and Fakhar Zaman (41)—with the team's score at just 91 runs. However, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan took control of the innings, forming a strong partnership and both scoring centuries.

This partnership marked the 27th occasion in Pakistan's history where two batsmen scored centuries in the same innings. It also became the second-highest partnership for the fourth wicket in cricket history. The record for the highest partnership for the fourth wicket is held by former Indian captain Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja, who had shared a 275-run unbroken partnership for India against Zimbabwe in 1998.

This historic feat also made Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan the first Pakistani pair to establish a large partnership for the fourth wicket. Before this, Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf had set the record in 2009 with a 206-run partnership for the same wicket. Also, It’s the first time that two middle-order batters have scored centuries for Pakistan in ODIs.

Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan’s centuries guided Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over South Africa at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday, securing their place in the Tri-Nation ODI Series final.

Chasing 353, Pakistan reached the target with six balls to spare, thanks to a record-breaking 260-run partnership between Agha (134 off 103 balls) and Rizwan (122* off 128 balls), setting a new record for Pakistan’s highest partnership in an ODI chase.

Pakistan’s chase faltered early with captain Babar Azam (23), Fakhar Zaman (41), and Saud Shakeel (15) falling, leaving the team at 91/3. However, Agha and Rizwan steadied the ship, taking Pakistan home despite Agha’s dismissal in the penultimate over.

South Africa had set a tough target, scoring 352/5 in 50 overs. Bavuma (82) and Breetzke (83) put up strong partnerships, while Klaasen’s 87 off 56 balls lifted the total. Shaheen Shah Afridi (2/66) and Khushdil Shah (1/43) were the pick of the Pakistan bowlers.

With this win, Pakistan advances to the final, aiming to claim the Tri-Nation ODI Series trophy.