Rizwan and Salman’s centuries led Pakistan to chase down 353, securing a thrilling six-wicket win over South Africa to reach the tri-series final.
In a magnificent display of batting skill, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha guided Pakistan to a surprising six-wicket victory over South Africa in Karachi, claiming a position in the tri-series final. This dramatic match on Wednesday saw Pakistan knock down South Africa’s imposing total of 352, creating a new record for their most successful chase in One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
Rizwan, in particular, showed brightly, scoring an unbeaten 122 off 128 balls and led Pakistan to win. His knock comprised nine boundaries and three sixes, demonstrating yet again his ability to execute under pressure. Alongside him, Salman Agha struck 134 from 103 balls, his first ODI century and a testament to Pakistan’s robust batting order.
This triumph was notable not just for the dramatic chase, but also for Rizwan and Salman’s record-breaking teamwork. Their 260-run fourth-wicket stand not only led Pakistan to victory, but it also broke the record for the biggest fourth-wicket partnership in Pakistan’s ODI history, surpassing the 206-run stand between Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan against India in 2009. The collaboration proved to be a game changer, with both batters combining for a magnificent performance to surpass South Africa’s tough goal.
South Africa had established an impressive total of 352/5 after winning the toss and deciding to bat, thanks largely to outstanding performances from Matthew Breetzke, Heinrich Klaasen, and Temba Bavuma. Breetzke, who had impressed in the previous encounter, maintained his excellent form by scoring 150 runs in his first two ODIs. He followed up on his 150-run knock with an 83 from 84 balls in this match, putting South Africa in command. Along with him, Bavuma scored an impressive 82, and Klaasen added 87, including three sixes and 11 boundaries. Klaasen’s late charge propelled South Africa to an almost impossible total on a flat ground.
South Africa had established an impressive total of 352/5 after winning the toss and deciding to bat, thanks largely to outstanding performances from Matthew Breetzke, Heinrich Klaasen, and Temba Bavuma. Breetzke, who had impressed in the previous encounter, maintained his excellent form by scoring 150 runs in his first two ODIs. He followed up on his 150-run knock with an 83 from 84 balls in this match, putting South Africa in command. Along with him, Bavuma scored an impressive 82, and Klaasen added 87, including three sixes and 11 boundaries. Klaasen’s late charge propelled South Africa to an almost impossible total on a flat ground.
Despite the bowling hurdles, Rizwan and Salman’s connection delivered when it counted the most. The aim of 353 was lofty, but the duo’s calm and calculating approach kept Pakistan close to it at all times. Salman played a responsible knock, scoring 16 boundaries and two sixes. He also provided the critical momentum that enabled Rizwan to anchor the innings and lead the team home.
The chase was not without its moments of tension. Pakistan has been underperforming in the batting area in recent months, raising concerns about their consistency in chasing down large totals. This amazing result, however, put to rest any doubts about their ability to produce under pressure, especially with the Champions Trophy coming up next week. Reflecting on the performance, Rizwan attributed the team’s record-breaking chase to divine intervention, noting that the team was encouraged by Khushdil Shah’s statements during the break: “We’ve chased 350 before, and we can do it again.”
South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, blamed the setback on the pitch, which he claimed made it difficult for the bowlers. Despite the huge score, his team was unable to capitalize in the middle overs to disrupt Pakistan’s momentum. “We needed wickets in the middle, but we didn’t get them,” Bavuma said following the match.
The Pakistan bowling attack, which was anticipated to restrict South Africa, struggled to make the necessary breakthroughs. The irritation was palpable when Shaheen Afridi, noted for his volatility, fought with Breetzke after the batsman had completed a run. Breetzke, who was in the core of the altercation, downplayed the situation, stating that the two players had no hard feelings.
Finally, Pakistan’s chase demonstrated the quality of their batting lineup, with Rizwan and Salman putting up a record-breaking performance. The victory also acted as a confidence booster for Pakistan as they prepare for the tri-series final against New Zealand, which promises to be an interesting match.
With this impressive victory, Pakistan not only qualified for the tri-series final, but also delivered a strong statement heading into the Champions Trophy. Their record-breaking chase, spearheaded by two brilliant hundreds, underlined that when their batting is on, they are a force to be reckoned with. As Rizwan aptly put it, “When God helps, you break all kinds of records,” and Pakistan accomplished exactly that.
Pakistan’s success in Karachi has given fans faith that their squad is peaking at the perfect time, and the final versus New Zealand promises to be an exciting spectacle.
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