Salman’s All-Round Performance, Saim Ayub’s Century Secure Pakistan’s Victory

Pakistan claimed a thrilling 3-wicket victory over South Africa, thanks to Salman Ali Agha's all-round brilliance and Saim Ayub’s century. With this win, Pakistan leads the ODI series 1-0. Chasing 240, Pakistan reached the target with 3 balls and 3 wickets to spare.

Winning the toss at Boland Park, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram opted to bat first. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton provided a strong start with a 70-run partnership. De Zorzi departed after scoring 33, while Rickelton added 36 runs.

Markram then built a crucial 73-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen. The skipper was dismissed for 36, but Klaasen played a pivotal 86-run knock off 97 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi. In the lower order, Kagiso Rabada’s 11 and Gerald Coetzee’s 10 ensured South Africa posted a competitive total of 239/9.

For Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha was the standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets, while Abrar Ahmed picked up 2.

In pursuit of 240, Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 60/4. However, opener Saim Ayub anchored the innings with resilience. He partnered with Salman Ali Agha in a game-changing 141-run stand off 133 balls for the fifth wicket.

Saim Ayub reached his century before being caught by Tabraiz Shamsi off Kagiso Rabada for 109. His innings featured 10 fours and 3 sixes. Salman Agha then took charge, guiding Pakistan to victory. Needing 2 runs in the final over, he sealed the match with a boundary off Marco Jansen, remaining unbeaten on 82.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee took 2 wickets each. Salman Ali Agha, with 82 not out and 4 wickets, was named Player of the Match.