- The captain and vice-captain duo stitched the third highest partnership for Pakistan in ODIs
- Scorecard available here; Action images available here for free download and editorial use; Please credit @ PCB
Karachi, 12 February 2025: Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha hit magnificent centuries to help Pakistan complete their highest successful chase in One day Internationals as the hosts beat South Africa by six wickets to qualify for the final of the tri-nation ODI series on Wednesday night here at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.
Pakistan chased down the 353-run target with an over to spare as Salman Ali Agha smashed a superb 134 off 103 balls, while skipper Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten for 122 off 128 balls. This was also the highest successful chase for any team against South Africa in ODIs.
Salman and Rizwan came together when Pakistan were 91-3 and went onto put together 260 runs – highest fourth-wicket partnership for Pakistan and third highest stand for Pakistan in ODIs, before Salman departed in the 49th over.
Salman, who brought up his maiden ODI century and bettered his previous ODI highest score of 82 not out against the same opposition in December 2024, hit 16 fours and two sixes in this iconic knock.
Rizwan, who had walked in at 87-2 in the 10th over after Saud Shakeel’s departure, managed nine boundaries and three sixes during his stay at the crease as he registered his fourth ODI century.
Opening batters, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman had provided Pakistan a flying start jotting 57 runs in just 6.1 overs. Fakhar’s 28-ball knock yielded 41 runs with the help of six fours and one six, while Babar returned for 19-ball 23 inclusive of four boundaries.
For South Africa Wiaan Mulder picked up two wickets, while Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi dismissed one batter each.
Earlier, South Africa opted to bat first on their way to post 352-5 in the allotted 50 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi drew the first blood for Pakistan in eighth over as he broke the 51-run opening partnership by removing Tony de Zorzi for an 18-ball 22.
Skipper Temba Bavuma (82, 96b, 13x4s) and Matthew Breetzke (83, 84b, 10x4s, 1x6) responded with a 119-run second-wicket partnership before the former fell prey to a direct hit from Saud Shakeel in 29th over.
Heinrich Klaasen, who top scored for South Africa with a swift 56-ball 87, hit 11 fours and three sixes after walking in to bat at no.4. He stitched 68 runs with Breetzke, who was dismissed by a brilliant diving catch from player of the match Salman at short cover in 39th over off Khushdil Shah.
South Africa collected 110 runs from the last 10 overs largely owing to a fiery partnership between Klaasen and Kyle Verryenne (44 not out, 32b, 3x4s, 1x6), which fetched 78 runs off 48 balls. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil picked up one each.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation ODI series on Friday, 14 February at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The first ball is expected to be bowled at 2pm PKT with the toss taking place at 1.30pm PKT.
Scores in brief:
Match 3 – Pakistan beat New Zealand by six wickets at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi
South Africa 352-5, 50 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 87, Matthew Breetzke 83, Temba Bavuma 82, Kyle Verryenne 44 not out, Tony de Zorzi 22; Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-66)
Pakistan 355-4, 49 overs (Salman Ali Agha 134, Mohammad Rizwan 122 not out, Fakhar Zaman 41, Babar Azam 23; Wiaan Mulder 2-79)
Player of the match – Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
Tri-nation ODI series final: Pakistan vs New Zealand, 14 February, National Bank Stadium, Karachi at 2pm PKT
