FAISALABAD: Pakistan has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after a thrilling victory over South Africa by 2 wickets in the first match.
Pakistan chased down South Africa’s target of 264 runs in the final over, losing 8 wickets in the process.
The match was played in Faisalabad, where Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first.
This match marked the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years.
South Africa’s Innings
South Africa batted first and scored 263 runs before being all out.
The Proteas had a good start, with an impressive 98-run partnership between openers.
Their first wicket fell when Pieter Malan was dismissed for 57. Quinton de Kock followed, scoring 63.
Later, Temba Bavuma scored 18, captain Temba Bavuma contributed 42, and Heinrich Klaasen added 41.
South Africa was eventually dismissed in 49.1 overs for 263 runs.
Pakistan’s bowlers, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, took 3 wickets each, while Saif Afridi claimed 2, and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Muhammad Nawaz took one wicket each.
Pakistan’s Innings
Pakistan successfully chased the target of 264 runs in 49.4 overs, losing 8 wickets.
Key contributions came from Salman Ali Agha, who scored 62, and Muhammad Rizwan, with 55.
Fakhar Zaman made 45, Saif Afridi scored 39, Babar Azam added 7, Hussain Talat scored 22, Hassan Nawaz made 1, and Muhammad Nawaz scored 9 before getting out.
South African bowlers, Freaer Engati and Kagiso Rabada, took 2 wickets each.
Pakistan won the match by 2 wickets, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played in Faisalabad on Thursday.
Notably, Shaheen Shah Afridi made his debut as captain of the national team in ODIs. He described leading the team as an honor.
