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In a high-stakes encounter at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan orchestrated a thrilling chase to defeat South Africa by six wickets, achieving a remarkable 353-run target in the Tri-Nation ODI series. This victory was nothing short of historic, as it shattered multiple records and saw two middle-order Pakistan batsmen score centuries in the same ODI, something never witnessed before in the country’s cricket history.
Rizwan and Agha Make History
Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Vice-Captain Salman Ali Agha became the first pair of middle-order batsmen (positions 4 to 7) from Pakistan to score centuries in the same innings. This partnership not only helped Pakistan chase down the daunting target of 353 but also etched their names in the record books. Rizwan, who batted at number four, remained unbeaten on 122 runs, while Salman, who came in at number five, scored an impressive 134. Together, they made a record-breaking 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Their partnership surpassed the previous best of 206 runs between Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf, set against India in 2009. This partnership has now become the highest ever for Pakistan in an ODI run chase, contributing significantly to their successful chase.
Record-Breaking Chase
Pakistan’s chase of 353 was not just a victory; it was their highest successful run chase in ODI history. This victory broke their previous record of chasing 349 runs against Australia in Lahore in 2022. The chase was a testament to their resilience and grit, as they overcame early setbacks to eventually win with six balls to spare.
Early Struggles in Pakistan’s Chase
Pakistan’s chase did not start on the best note. Babar Azam, their star batter and captain, continued his struggle in the opening slot. Azam was dismissed for just 23 runs off 19 balls, with four boundaries, after facing just 6.1 overs of the South African bowling attack.
Fakhar Zaman, who had been in good form leading up to this match, joined Saud Shakeel at the crease. The two added 36 runs for the second wicket before both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 91/3 in the 10.4 overs. Fakhar made 41 off 28 balls, with six fours and one six, while Saud managed just 15 runs off 16 balls. At this stage, Pakistan’s chase appeared to be in jeopardy, but the partnership between Rizwan and Salman was about to change the game.
Rizwan and Agha’s Heroics
With the match seemingly slipping away from Pakistan, Salman Ali Agha joined Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, and together they turned the tide. The duo added a monumental 260 runs for the fourth wicket, shattering records and giving Pakistan a real chance at victory. Their partnership was the highest-ever for Pakistan in an ODI run chase, and their composed innings allowed Pakistan to recover from their early slump.
Salman Ali Agha played a brilliant knock, scoring 134 runs off 103 balls. His innings included 16 boundaries and two sixes. Rizwan, on the other hand, carried the momentum throughout the innings, finishing unbeaten on 122 runs off 128 balls, which included nine fours and three sixes.
The partnership came to an end when Lungi Ngidi dismissed Salman Agha in the penultimate over of the chase. However, by this point, Pakistan was well within reach of the target. Rizwan guided the team to victory, securing a remarkable six-wicket win with six balls to spare.
South Africa’s Bowling Performance
For South Africa, Wiaan Mulder was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets. Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch each took one wicket, but it was the sheer brilliance of Rizwan and Agha that ultimately led Pakistan to victory. Despite early breakthroughs, South Africa’s bowlers could not break the partnership between Rizwan and Agha, who held firm and steered Pakistan towards an unforgettable victory.
A Milestone Achievement
This victory also marked a few more significant milestones for Pakistan cricket. The record 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Rizwan and Agha became the 27th instance of two Pakistan batsmen scoring centuries in the same ODI innings. It would have been an even more remarkable achievement if Salman had remained unbeaten, as it would have marked the first instance of two unbeaten hundreds in an ODI innings for Pakistan.
