Rizwan-Salman’s Centuries Lead Pakistan to a Record Victory
Pakistan stormed into the final of the tri-nation series with a record-breaking win over South Africa, thanks to brilliant centuries from captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha.
South Africa’s hopes flickered briefly when Salman was dismissed by a slower delivery from Lungi Ngidi, with the Proteas successfully overturning the on-field call via DRS. However, by then, Salman had already done his job. Pakistan comfortably chased down 353 at the National Stadium in Karachi, securing a six-wicket victory with six balls to spare.
This was Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in ODIs, surpassing their previous best of 349 against Australia in Lahore in 2022.
Record-Breaking Partnership
Rizwan and Salman stitched together a sensational 260-run partnership off 229 balls, setting a new record for Pakistan’s highest fourth-wicket stand in ODIs. Their partnership broke the previous best of 206 between Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik against India in the 2009 Champions Trophy.
It was also Pakistan’s highest partnership in an ODI run chase, eclipsing the 228-run opening stand between Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat against Zimbabwe in 2011.
Salman smashed his maiden ODI century, scoring 134 off 103 balls with 16 fours and 2 sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award. Rizwan, on the other hand, remained unbeaten on 122 off 128 balls, hitting 9 fours and 3 sixes to take Pakistan home.
When Salman departed with just two runs needed for victory, Tayyab Tahir wasted no time, smashing a cover drive for four to seal the win.
South Africa’s Strong Total Goes in Vain
South Africa posted a formidable 352/5, powered by three big knocks and a quick cameo. Captain Temba Bavuma scored 82 off 96 balls, while Matthew Breetzke added 83 off 84. Heinrich Klaasen, playing his first match of the series, blasted 87 off just 56 balls, continuing his impressive run against Pakistan.
In his last four ODI innings against Pakistan, Klaasen has scored 86, 97, 81, and 87. His explosive batting, along with Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 44 off 32 balls, helped South Africa add 110 runs in the final 10 overs.
Pakistan’s Response – A Confident Chase
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam gave Pakistan a solid start, adding 57 runs in 37 balls. Babar departed for 23, while Fakhar scored 41 off 28 before both fell to Wiaan Mulder.
At 91/3 in the 11th over, Pakistan faced a minor setback. However, Rizwan and Salman took control with responsible batting, gradually pushing South Africa out of the contest.
In the 43rd over, Rizwan completed his fourth ODI century with a six off Mulder, followed by Salman’s ton off 87 balls. This marked the first time Pakistan’s No. 4 and No. 5 batters both scored centuries in the same ODI match.
Even though Salman fell with victory in sight, the result was never in doubt.
What’s Next?
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the final on Friday.
Match Summary
- South Africa: 352/5 in 50 overs (Bavuma 82, Breetzke 83, Klaasen 87, Verreynne 44*; Afridi 2/66, Naseem 1/68)
- Pakistan: 355/4 in 49 overs (Rizwan 122*, Salman 134, Fakhar 41; Mulder 2/79, Ngidi 1/74)
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha
