Pakistan Holds On to Beat South Africa by 2 Wickets in ODI Series Opener
FAISALABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan, at full strength, defeated a determined South African side by two wickets in the opening One Day International of their series on Tuesday, marking the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years.
Despite a spirited fight from South Africa, with four wickets taken in the last five overs, Pakistan's tailenders managed to reach 264-8 in the final over, edging out their opponents.
South Africa’s Strong Effort
South Africa, having lost its sixth consecutive toss on this tour, could not capitalize on half-centuries from debutant Lhuandre Pretorius (57) and Quinton de Kock (63). The team was eventually bowled out for 263 runs in 49.1 overs.
Key Performances for Pakistan
Salman Ali Agha top-scored with 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan added 55, helping Pakistan reach 196-3 by the 39th over. Rizwan, playing his first ODI after stepping down from captaincy, scored a crucial half-century and shared a 91-run partnership with Agha that steadied the chase.
Middle Overs Challenge
After losing three wickets within 18 runs, Rizwan and Agha expertly judged the slow pitch, rotating the strike with singles and twos to keep Pakistan on course.
Strong Opening Stand
The left-handed opening pair, Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), combined for an 87-run partnership against a second-string South African pace attack. South Africa rested key fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen for this series.
“Rizwan smashed a half-century in his first ODI after being removed from the captaincy and was replaced by Shaheen Shah Afridi as he shared 91-run stand with Agha to put the chase back on track.”
Pakistan’s tail held firm under pressure, securing a tense victory in the ODI opener.
Author's summary: Pakistan staged a tense victory over South Africa in the ODI opener, overcoming a late fightback and showcasing key performances from Rizwan and Agha to mark cricket’s return to Faisalabad.