Pakistan claimed a hard-fought victory over South Africa by two wickets in the first ODI of their series at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 263 all out in 49.1 overs. The chase stretched into the final over, with Pakistan reaching 264 for 8 with just two balls remaining.
South Africa got off to a flying start, with Quinton de Kock and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius putting on 98 runs for the opening wicket in 15 overs. De Kock scored 63 with fluent strokes, while Pretorius contributed 57 in his first ODI.
Their innings took advantage of the powerplay overs, scoring briskly against Pakistan’s pace bowlers. The partnership set South Africa up for a challenging total.
After the first wicket fell, the momentum swung. Pakistan’s spinners took control, tightening the field and forcing errors from South Africa’s middle order. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed bowled long spells; Ayub picked two wickets, and Abrar claimed three wickets, nearly achieving a hat-trick.
Naseem Shah complemented with crucial breakthroughs, ending with figures of 3 for 40. South Africa lost wickets steadily and were eventually all out just short of 270.
Chasing 264, Pakistan’s openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman started cautiously. They rotated the strike and focused on building the innings rather than quick runs. The early overs saw South Africa’s seamers press, but the pair managed to keep the scoreboard moving.
Middle-order batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan took charge, with Rizwan scoring 55 runs using skillful placement and timing. Salman Ali Agha added impetus later with an aggressive 62, cutting and driving as Pakistan pushed toward the target.
South Africa fought to regain control with tight spells from Corbin Bosch and Lungi Ngidi, who both took two wickets to slow Pakistan’s progress.
At one point, the chase looked shaky as wickets fell around the middle order, but the lower order held firm. With just two wickets remaining and the target within reach, Pakistan’s batsmen stayed composed and finished 264 for 8 off 49.4 overs.
