In a thrilling third match of the tri-series, Pakistan pulled off a record chase of 353 runs, defeating South Africa by 6 wickets to secure their place in the final.
Chasing a massive target, Pakistan lost three quick wickets for 91 runs, with Babar Azam (23), Saud Shakeel (15), and Fakhar Zaman (41) falling early. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Agha Salman turned the game around with a sensational 262-run partnership—the highest fourth-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs.
Agha Salman smashed 134 off 103 balls, while Rizwan remained unbeaten to seal a historic win. Pakistan now advances to the final, setting up a highly anticipated showdown!
Salman Ali Agha played a sensational innings, scoring 134 runs off 103 balls before getting out. His brilliant knock was instrumental in Pakistan’s record-breaking chase against South Africa.
For his match-winning performance, Salman Agha was rightfully awarded the Man of the Match!
Pakistan’s Record Chase! Agha Salman & Rizwan’s Heroics Seal Thrilling Victory
In a high-stakes tri-series clash at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium, Pakistan pulled off a stunning chase of 353 runs, defeating South Africa by 6 wickets. The win was powered by centuries from Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan, marking one of Pakistan’s greatest ODI chases.
In a record-breaking performance, Pakistan successfully chased a 350+ target in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the first time in history.
This remarkable achievement came in the tri-nation series match against South Africa, where Pakistan chased down 353 runs, securing their place in the final against New Zealand.
South Africa’s Strong Start
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa posted a daunting 353/5 in 50 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma led with 82, while Matthew Breetzke (83), Heinrich Klaasen (87 off 56), and Kyle Verreynne (44)* played crucial roles in the big total. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi took 2 wickets, while Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah picked up one each.
Pakistan’s Chase: Agha & Rizwan Shine
Chasing 353, Pakistan’s top order faltered as Babar Azam (23), Saud Shakeel (15), and Fakhar Zaman (41 off 28) fell early. However, captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Agha Salman took charge, stitching a record fourth-wicket partnership. Starting cautiously, they later unleashed an array of boundaries, accelerating the chase brilliantly.
In a historic run chase, Salman Ali Agha scored a brilliant 134 off 103 balls before getting dismissed, while captain Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122, steering Pakistan to victory against South Africa.
Pakistan’s victory keeps their tri-series final hopes alive, as they now look ahead to a crucial showdown against New Zealand.
Historic Partnership: Rizwan & Salman Rewrite Record Books!
Pakistani stars Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan etched their names in history with a sensational 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket, leading Pakistan to a 6-wicket victory over South Africa in the tri-series clash in Karachi.
Facing early setbacks at 91-3, the duo rescued the innings with stunning centuries, marking the 27th instance of two Pakistani batters scoring tons in the same ODI innings. Their 260-run stand is the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership in cricket history, just behind Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja’s 275-run partnership in 1998.
With this feat, they also surpassed Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf’s 206-run record from 2009, making it Pakistan’s highest-ever fourth-wicket stand.
Pakistan Shatters Records in Thrilling Win
Pakistan rewrote history in Karachi, chasing a record 353-run target, breaking their previous best of 349 against Australia at Gaddafi Stadium.
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s 260-run stand also surpassed Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf’s 206-run partnership (2009 vs. India), making it Pakistan’s highest-ever fourth-wicket stand.
For the first time in Pakistan’s ODI history, both No. 4 and No. 5 batters scored centuries in the same innings—another milestone in a record-breaking night.
Heated Moments in Pakistan vs. South Africa Clash!
The third match of the tri-nation series in Karachi saw tense exchanges between players from Pakistan and South Africa.
Temba Bavuma’s Frustration: The Proteas captain was run out for 82 in the 29th over after a sharp throw from Saud Shakeel. When Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam celebrated aggressively, Bavuma stood on the pitch, visibly displeased.
Shaheen Afridi vs. Matthew Breetzke: Earlier, in the 28th over, a heated exchange took place between Shaheen Afridi and Matthew Breetzke. The situation was defused by Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, who stepped in to calm things down.
The intensity of the match added extra drama to the thrilling contest!
Pakistan Secures Final Spot
Pakistan successfully chased down South Africa’s 352-run target in the 49th over, losing just four wickets in the process. With this thrilling victory, Pakistan has qualified for the tri-series final, where they will face New Zealand in a high-stakes showdown.
The much-anticipated tri-series final between Pakistan and New Zealand will take place on January 14 in Karachi, promising an intense battle for the championship.
