Karachi, February 12, 2025: Pakistan pulled off a sensational record chase of 353 as Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman struck magnificent centuries to secure a six-wicket victory over South Africa, booking their place in the tri-nation series final at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a daunting 353-run target, Pakistan stormed home in 49 overs, losing only four wickets. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122, while Salman’s blistering 134 off 103 deliveries, featuring 16 boundaries and two sixes, set the stage for Pakistan’s triumph.
After a strong start from Fakhar Zaman (41 off 28) and Babar Azam (23 off 19), Pakistan found themselves at 91-3 in the powerplay, with Saud Shakeel (15) departing early. However, Rizwan and Salman turned the game on its head, stitching together a record-breaking 260-run stand for the fourth wicket in ODIs, guiding the hosts to an emphatic win. This was Pakistan’s highest partnership while chasing a target.
Salman fell in the penultimate over, but Rizwan ensured Pakistan got over the line comfortably.
For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi picked up one.
Earlier, South Africa posted a commanding 352-5 after opting to bat first, powered by half-centuries from Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen. Captain Bavuma (82 off 96) and Breetzke (77 off 68) put up a 119-run second-wicket stand. Klaasen’s explosive 87 off 56 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and three sixes, propelled the Proteas past the 350-run mark.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi picked up two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah claimed one each. Salman Ali Agha was declared Man of the Match for his excellent knock.
