FAISALABAD: Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling finish to the first One Day International (ODI), taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing a target of 264 runs, Pakistan reached the mark in 49.4 overs with eight wickets down. Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed a solid 55. Fakhar Zaman added 45, and Saim Ayub chipped in with 39 runs.
Earlier, South Africa posted 263 all out in 49.1 overs after a strong opening stand of 98 runs. Pretorius scored 57, and Quinton de Kock made 63, while captain Breitzke added 42 and Corbin Bosch 41.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, Saim Ayub claimed two, and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz took one apiece.
In response, Pakistan kept their chase alive despite regular setbacks. Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings with a crucial middle-order partnership, guiding the team close to victory before the tailenders held their nerve to finish the job in the final over.
From the South African side, Ferreira, Ngidi, and Bosch picked up two wickets each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent Pakistan’s narrow win.
The match also marked a special occasion for Shaheen Shah Afridi, who captained Pakistan in an ODI for the first time. Speaking after the game, Afridi called it “an honour to lead the national team” and praised his players for their fighting spirit.
The second ODI of the series will be played in Faisalabad on Thursday.
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