In a thrilling and confidence-boosting start to the three-match series, Pakistan secured a narrow two-wicket victory over South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. The match, marking the venue’s first international fixture in 17 years and the debut of Shaheen Shah Afridi as One-day International captain, saw Pakistan overcome a familiar late batting collapse to strike the opening blow.
Afridi’s decision to field first after winning the toss paid dividends, as an inspired collective effort from the bowlers restricted the visitors. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 263, largely thanks to superb spells from pacer Naseem Shah and spinners Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed.
The tourists had initially set a formidable pace, cruising to a strong start led by debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57) and the returning Quinton de Kock (63). The opening duo put together a commanding 98-run stand. However, once the partnerships were broken, the middle order faltered badly. Apart from skipper Matthew Breetzke (42) and a late surge from Corbin Bosch (41), South Africa’s line-up was scythed through by the hosts, with Naseem (3-40), Saim (2-39), and Abrar (3-53) proving particularly destructive.
South Africa will regret their failure to capitalize on the early momentum. Pretorius and De Kock—the latter playing his first ODI since retiring after the ODI World Cup—took the attack to Pakistan, reaching 94-0 by the 15th over. Spinner Saim Ayub provided the crucial breakthrough, removing Pretorius, but it took the return of Naseem Shah to end De Kock’s dangerous 72-ball knock, chopping the ball onto his own stumps. From there, Pakistan gained control, despite a resilient late stand between Breetzke and Bosch, whose gritty 41 was only halted by a searing yorker from captain Shaheen in the penultimate over.
In the chase, Pakistan laid a solid platform with openers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub combining for an 87-run partnership. After a brief wobble where Pakistan lost three quick wickets to sink to 106-3, the innings was expertly rebuilt by half-centuries from Salman Ali Agha (62) and Mohammad Rizwan (57). The pair added a crucial 91 runs, steadily increasing the run rate.
Rizwan departed with Pakistan needing 68 more for victory, but Salman maintained the pressure alongside Hussain Talat. Despite a nerve-wracking late collapse that saw the hosts lose key wickets in the closing overs—including Salman himself—Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi ensured the win. Nawaz settled creeping doubts by launching a decisive six when the pressure was highest, guiding Pakistan home with two balls to spare.
