PAK VS SA: Pakistan Seal Record-Breaking Chase In the ODI

PAK VS SA: The third ODI of the four-match tri-nation series between Pakistan and South Africa was played at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, where many records and statistics were broken.

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s remarkable 260-run partnership from just 229 balls for the fourth wicket powered Pakistan to a historic chase of 353, achieving the target with an over to spare.

This marked Pakistan’s first successful chase of a 350-plus target in ODIs. Their previous highest successful chase was 349, which they achieved against Australia in Lahore in 2022.

For Visitors, this is the highest target they have ever allowed in ODI cricket. Their previous highest was a loss after posting 326 against Australia in 2002.

Pakistan has made it to the final of the tri-series after achieving their highest-ever chase! It was an exceptional batting performance. Despite chasing a challenging total, the openers gave them a strong start. However, they lost three quick wickets, putting them on the back foot.

Then came the match-winning partnership between captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha. They began slowly but gained momentum as the innings went on. Together, they put on nearly 260 runs, with both players scoring centuries. Salman Ali Agha registered his first century in ODI cricket. Agha was dismissed for 134 off 103 near the end, but Rizwan played a captain’s knock, leading his team to a remarkable victory.

South Africa once again struggled with the ball. Mulder bowled superbly with the new ball, removing both Pakistani openers. However, after that, they struggled to control the flow of runs. Too many boundary balls were bowled, and their spinners couldn’t get much turn, limiting their wicket-taking ability. Bavuma will be disappointed with their inability to defend such a large target, but credit goes to Pakistan for their brilliant fight.

PAK VS SA: 1st Inning

Earlier, powered by half-centuries from Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, and Matthew Breetzke, South Africa set a challenging total of 352/5 in 50 overs. Heinrich Klaasen played a brilliant knock of 87 runs off 56 balls, providing the Proteas’ innings with a crucial lift. Captain Bavuma fell short of a century, getting run out for 82, but laid a solid foundation for his team’s big total. Young Matthew Breetzke continued his impressive form from the previous match, scoring 83 off 84 balls before being dismissed by Khushdil Shah.

Matthew Breetzke has accumulated 233 runs in his first two ODIs, scoring 150 and 83 in this series. He has surpassed Desmond Haynes’ previous record of 195 runs in the first two matches in ODI format. 

Also Read: Australia Falls Short By 49 Runs In The First ODI