Pakistan showcased a spectacular run chase to defeat South Africa by six wickets in the third ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025 at the National Stadium on Wednesday, February 12. A stunning century from Salman Ali Agha, complemented by Mohammad Rizwan’s masterful ton, helped Pakistan chase down a record 353-run target with an over to spare.
Batters help South Africa in posting 352 runs
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa put up an imposing 352/5 in their 50 overs. Skipper Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with a well-crafted 82 off 96 balls, while Matthew Breetzke contributed 83 off 84. The real acceleration came from Heinrich Klaasen, who hammered 87 off just 56 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and three sixes. Kyle Verreynne also played a quick cameo, scoring 44 off 32 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with Shaheen Afridi being the pick of the attack, taking 2 wickets for 66 runs in his 10 overs. Naseem Shah (1/68) and Khushdil Shah (1/39) chipped in with a wicket each, but the rest of the bowling unit was taken to task by the Proteas’ aggressive batting display.
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Salman Agha and Rizwan orchestrate historic chase
Chasing a daunting target, Pakistan got off to a brisk start with Fakhar Zaman smashing 41 off 28 balls. However, early dismissals of Babar Azam (23 off 19) and Saud Shakeel (15 off 16) put Pakistan under slight pressure. The stage was then set for a match-winning partnership between Rizwan and Salman Agha.
Rizwan played a composed yet aggressive knock, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 122 off 128 balls. Meanwhile, Salman Agha unleashed an attacking masterclass, scoring 134 off just 103 balls, laced with 16 fours and two sixes. Their remarkable 260-run stand turned the game in Pakistan’s favour.
This has been a brilliant partnership between Rizwan, and the man with one of the most wonderful names in the current game; “Salman Ali Agha”. Outstanding centuries.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 12, 2025
Tayyab Tahir sealed the chase with a boundary, ensuring Pakistan reached 355/4 in 49 overs.
Pakistan have booked their place in the final
Scorecard: https://t.co/ir1dXShZIu#PAKvSA #ODI #cricket pic.twitter.com/4oLYVpvgWz
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 13, 2025
This was Pakistan’s highest successful chase in the history of ODI cricket. With this win, Pakistan also reached the final of the ODI Tri-Series.
Also READ: Shahid Afridi names backbone of Pakistan team for Champions Trophy 2025
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