Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha both scored centuries as Pakistan achieved their highest-ever successful ODI chase to reach the final of the ongoing tri-series
New Delhi: Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha both scored centuries as Pakistan achieved their highest-ever successful ODI chase to reach the final of the ongoing tri-series. On February 12, in front of a roaring crowd at Karachi’s National Stadium, the hosts triumphed over Temba Bavuma’s South Africa by six wickets, successfully chasing down a massive target of 353.
After a 78-run loss to New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Rizwan and his team bounced back impressively against the Proteas. Both Salman and Rizwan not only scored centuries but also shared a monumental 260-run partnership, setting a new record for Pakistan’s highest-ever partnership in a run chase. This surpassed the previous record of 228 runs, made by Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez against Zimbabwe in 2011 in Harare.
Pakistan’s previous record for the highest successful chase was set against Australia in March 2022 in Lahore when they chased down 349 runs. Rizwan’s team also broke the record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in ODIs, overtaking Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik’s 206-run partnership against India in 2009 at Centurion’s SuperSport Park.
BOUNDARY TO FINISH OFF A MEMORABLE CHASE 🌟
Karachi has witnessed history today 😍#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/q8OWB9Q99P
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025
South Africa chose to bat first and posted a formidable total of 350 for three. Captain Bavuma led the way with a solid 82-run innings at the top of the order. Although Tony de Zorzi didn’t get going, Matthew Breetzke, who had scored 150 against New Zealand, contributed a valuable 83 off 84 balls. Together, Breetzke and Bavuma shared a crucial 119-run partnership for the second wicket.
Breetzke continued his good form from Lahore, finishing with 83 runs off 84 balls. Klaasen was aggressive, scoring 87 off 56 balls, including 11 boundaries and three sixes. Kyle Verreynne added a quick 44 off 32 balls. For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for 66 runs from 10 overs. Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah each claimed one wicket.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha lead Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a strong start in their chase, scoring 41 runs before being dismissed by Wiaan Mulder. Babar Azam looked set for a solid contribution with 23 runs, but he was also removed by Mulder. After Saud Shakeel fell for 15, Pakistan found themselves under a bit of pressure. However, once Rizwan and Salman took charge, the momentum shifted in Pakistan’s favor.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 from 128 balls, hitting nine boundaries and three sixes. Salman played a dominant knock of 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. Pakistan ultimately sealed the victory with six balls to spare.
