Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan lead Pakistan to reach tri-nation series final

Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan delivered dominant centuries, leading Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over South Africa at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday. With this victory, Pakistan secured a place in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series.

Chasing a challenging target of 353 runs, Pakistan reached the target with six balls to spare, thanks to a record-breaking partnership between Agha and Rizwan. The pair shared a remarkable 260-run stand for the fourth wicket, which set a new record for the highest partnership in a Pakistan ODI run chase.

However, Pakistan's pursuit didn't start smoothly. Captain Babar Azam, continuing to struggle as an opener, was dismissed early by Wiaan Mulder in the seventh over. Babar managed to score just 23 runs off 19 balls, with four boundaries.

Fakhar Zaman, who has been in good form, added 30 runs with Saud Shakeel for the second wicket. However, both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 91/3 in the 11th over. Fakhar made 41 runs off 28 balls, including six fours and a six, while Saud contributed 15 runs from 16 balls.

At 91/3, Pakistan was in a precarious position, but Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the ship. The two batsmen put together a historic partnership, with Agha scoring a brilliant 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. Rizwan, on the other hand, remained unbeaten, carrying his bat through the innings with 122 runs off 128 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Their partnership proved to be the game-changer, as Pakistan comfortably reached the target despite losing Agha in the penultimate over.

For South Africa, Mulder claimed two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, South Africa set a formidable target by posting 352/5 in their 50 overs. The visitors started well, with opening pair Tony de Zorzi and captain Temba Bavuma adding 51 runs for the first wicket. Shaheen Shah Afridi made the breakthrough, dismissing de Zorzi for 22 runs.

Bavuma then combined with Matthew Breetzke to form a solid partnership of 119 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma was eventually run out by Saud Shakeel, having scored 82 runs off 96 balls, including 13 boundaries. Breetzke continued the charge, scoring 83 runs off 84 balls, with 10 fours and a six. 

South Africa looked set for a big total, but Pakistan struck back with quick wickets. Afridi removed Wiaan Mulder for just two runs, and Breetzke was dismissed by Khushdil Shah. Heinrich Klaasen, however, played a strong knock, hitting 87 runs off 56 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, to push South Africa past the 300-mark.

Afridi was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking two wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs. Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah each took one wicket.

With this win, Pakistan advances to the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series, where they will look to continue their strong form and claim the trophy.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c/wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. 

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.