In a thrilling encounter at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad—the venue’s first international match in 17 years—Pakistan secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa, striking the opening blow in the three-match series. This hard-fought win marked a winning start to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tenure as One-day International captain.
Shaheen won the toss and opted to field, relying on an inspired bowling effort to restrict the tourists to 263 all out. South Africa had initially dominated the proceedings, powered by a 98-run opening partnership between debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57) and the returning Quinton de Kock (63), who was playing his first ODI since retiring after the World Cup. They hammered the Pakistani attack, reaching 94-0 by the 15th over.
However, the hosts fought back fiercely. Naseem Shah (3-40) proved instrumental, particularly when he clean-bowled De Kock just as the veteran opener was reaching his stride. Spinners Saim Ayub (2-39) and Abrar Ahmed (3-53) then scythed through the middle order. While skipper Matthew Breetzke (42) and Corbin Bosch (41) provided late resistance—Bosch brilliantly maneuvering the tail past the 250 mark—the Proteas ultimately failed to capitalize on their storming start, collapsing around the 263 mark.
Pakistan’s chase began on a solid platform laid by openers Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), who added 87 runs for the first wicket. After quick wickets left the hosts wobbling, the middle-order steadied the ship. Crucial half-centuries from Salman Ali Agha (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (57) anchored the innings, forming a vital 91-run partnership that guided Pakistan deep into the chase.
Rizwan fell with 68 runs still required, initiating a tense phase. Salman continued, combining with Hussain Talat (22) to chip away at the total. Talat’s dismissal, followed by an all-too-familiar late collapse, momentarily put South Africa back in contention. However, Mohammad Nawaz settled the nerves, launching a six off Ferreira to level the scores. Although Nawaz fell on the penultimate delivery, Shaheen Shah Afridi himself saw the side home with two balls to spare, completing a confidence-boosting two-wicket triumph.
