Saim Ayub’s brilliant century and Agha Salman’s all-round performance led Pakistan to a thrilling 3-wicket victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a modest target, Pakistan’s chase began on a difficult note, with Marco Jansen dismissing Abdullah Shafique for a duck. Babar Azam then steadied the innings, forming a 44-run partnership with Ayub before being dismissed for 23 off 38 balls by Baartman. Captain Muhammad Rizwan followed shortly after, out for 3, leaving Pakistan at 60 for 3.
A communication mix-up between Kamran Ghulam and Ayub led to another wicket, leaving Pakistan struggling at 60 for 4. With nearly 180 runs required, the crucial partnership between Ayub and Agha Salman added 141 runs for the fifth wicket, with Ayub playing a dominant role.
Ayub scored an excellent 109 off 112 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, putting Pakistan in a strong position. However, after his dismissal by Kagiso Rabada, Pakistan still needed 39 runs from 52 balls. Rabada struck again, removing Irfan Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi without scoring, leaving Pakistan needing 31 runs to win. Salman, however, stepped up, finishing unbeaten on 82, including four fours and two sixes, guiding Pakistan to victory with three balls to spare.
Salman was named the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, including 82* and a four-wicket haul earlier in the game.
Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton provided a solid start, adding 70 runs in the first powerplay. But Agha Salman turned the game in Pakistan’s favor with a brilliant spell, claiming four wickets in three overs. He dismissed Zorzi (33), Rickleton (36), and then removed both Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs for ducks, leaving South Africa at 88 for 4.
At a critical moment, Aiden Markram (35) and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings with a 73-run partnership. Klaasen’s 86, along with Markram’s contribution, guided South Africa to a total of 239/9 in their 50 overs. Agha Salman finished with a career-best 4/32, and Abrar Ahmed took 2 wickets.
Pakistan’s chase of 240 runs ended successfully, and the victory put them 1-0 up in the series.
The ODI series holds significant importance as both teams prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February and March 2025. The next two matches will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (December 19), and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (December 22).
Playing XIs:
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 Rickleton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Schedule:
- 17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl (5 pm PST)
- 19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5 pm PST)
- 22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5 pm PST)
