PAK vs SA: A full-strength Pakistan made a successful return to Faisalabad after 17 years, defeating a spirited South Africa by two wickets within the first ODI on Tuesday. The nail-biting end noticed Pakistan’s decrease order maintain their nerves to chase down 264 within the closing over, giving the house crowd a memorable victory.
Faisalabad Hosts ODI After 17 Years
The match marked the return of worldwide cricket to Faisalabad after practically 20 years, and the followers had been handled to a basic contest. Pakistan’s chase regarded comfy for many components, however South Africa’s late fightback made it a tense end earlier than Naseem Shah’s leg bye sealed the win with two balls remaining.
Rizwan, Agha Anchor Pakistan’s Chase
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha had been the celebrities of Pakistan’s chase. Rizwan, enjoying his first ODI since being changed as captain by Shaheen Shah Afridi, scored a composed 55, whereas Agha top-scored with 62. The pair added an important 91-run stand for the fourth wicket after the openers set a strong platform. Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) added 87 for the primary wicket earlier than each fell to debutant off-spinner Donovan Ferreira, who exploited the gradual floor nicely.
Late Collapse Retains Followers On Edge
After Rizwan’s dismissal, Pakistan practically let the sport slip. From 196-3, the staff misplaced fast wickets as South Africa’s bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi and George Linde, mounted strain. Agha’s dismissal within the penultimate over left Pakistan needing one run off the ultimate three balls, and Naseem Shah held his nerve to complete the chase.
South Africa’s Robust Begin Fades Away
Earlier, South Africa posted 263 after being bowled out in 49.1 overs. The Proteas began strongly, with Quinton de Kock (63) and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57) including 98 for the primary wicket. Pretorius impressed on debut with clear hitting, reaching his fifty off 47 balls.
Nevertheless, Pakistan’s spinners introduced the hosts again into the sport. Saim Ayub dismissed Pretorius, and de Kock chopped one onto his stumps in opposition to Naseem Shah, triggering a middle-order collapse.
Abrar Ahmed Spins Pakistan Again Into The Recreation
Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed starred with the ball, choosing up 3 for 53. He practically claimed a hat-trick after dismissing Donovan Ferreira and Bjorn Fortuin off successive deliveries. His spell, mixed with Ayub’s breakthroughs, restricted South Africa after a promising begin. Corbin Bosch added an important 41 off 40 balls to assist South Africa attain a aggressive complete.
Pakistan Lead Sequence 1–0
With this win, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead within the three-match collection. The hosts will look to seal the collection within the subsequent sport, whereas South Africa will goal to bounce again stronger after pushing Pakistan to the brink regardless of lacking key gamers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.