Islamabad, Dec 23: Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha guided Pakistan to a thrilling victory in the opening ODI of the three-match series at Boland Park, Paarl, on Wednesday.
Ayub showcased an impressive batting display, scoring 109 runs, including ten boundaries and three sixes. Agha supported with a resilient 82 off 90 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, leading Pakistan to a three-wicket win with three balls to spare.
Irfan Khan Niazi and Mohammad Rizwan managed only one run each, while Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen Afridi departed for ducks.
Babar Azam contributed 23 off 38 balls with three boundaries, while Kamran Ghulam added four runs before being run out.
After opting to bat first, South Africa set a target of 240 runs in their 50 overs, driven by Heinrich Klaasen’s 86, following Agha’s four-wicket haul. The hosts ended at 239/9, bolstered by a crucial fifth wicket stand between Klaasen and captain Aiden Markram.
Openers Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi gave South Africa a strong start, adding 70 runs in the first 10 overs. However, Agha turned the momentum with four quick wickets, leaving South Africa at 88/4 in the 14th over.
Klaasen and Markram staged a recovery, adding 73 runs for the fifth wicket. Markram scored a cautious 35 off 54 balls before being dismissed by Ayub in the 32nd over.
Klaasen continued with partnerships alongside Marco Jansen (10) and Andile Phehlukwayo (1) before Afridi ended his innings in the 45th over.
Klaasen top-scored for South Africa with 86 off 97 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Late contributions from Kagiso Rabada (11) and Ottneil Baartman (10 not out) added vital runs.
Agha led Pakistan’s bowling effort with figures of 4/32 in four overs, while Abrar Ahmed took two wickets, and Shaheen and Ayub claimed one each.
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 Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
