Faisalabad, November 4, 2025: A collective bowling performance helped Pakistan bowl out South Africa for a modest total of 263 runs in the opening One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at the Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday.
In his first match as ODI captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field first — a decision that paid off as Pakistan’s disciplined bowling restricted the visitors to a below-par score in 49.1 overs.
South Africa, however, began brightly, with openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock putting up a solid 98-run partnership. Pretorius scored a brisk 57 off 60 balls, hitting seven fours and a six, before Saim Ayub provided the breakthrough in the 16th over.
De Kock continued to anchor the innings, adding 43 runs with Tony de Zorzi, but both fell in quick succession within six deliveries — leaving South Africa struggling at 147/3 in the 28th over. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with 63 off 71 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Skipper Matthew Breetzke and debutant Sinethemba Qeshile (22) attempted to steady the innings with a 44-run stand for the fourth wicket, but Mohammad Nawaz struck again to dismiss Qeshile in the 34th over, sparking a collapse.
South Africa lost four wickets for just 44 runs, slipping to 228/8 in the 44th over. Breetzke contributed a resilient 42 off 54 balls with two sixes and two fours before being removed.
Late resistance came from Corbin Bosch, who added a valuable 41 off 40 deliveries, but Shaheen Afridi returned to claim his wicket in the penultimate over, ending the innings at 263.
For Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah led the attack with three wickets each, while Saim Ayub impressed with two crucial breakthroughs. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz picked up one wicket apiece.
