Faisalabad witnessed a dramatic return to worldwide cricket as Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in an exhilarating last-over end to go 1-0 up within the three-match ODI collection on Tuesday. The win got here on the historic Iqbal Stadium, which hosted its first worldwide match in 17 years since April 2008.
Shaheen Shah Afridi additionally made his ODI captaincy debut on a good-looking notice after changing Mohammad Rizwan on the helm.
Chasing 264, Pakistan held their nerve in a tense contest. Openers Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) gave the hosts a strong begin, including 87 runs for the primary wicket. However South Africa fought again by Donovan Ferreira and Bjorn Fortuin, decreasing Pakistan to 105 for 3.
From there, Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman Agha (62) rebuilt the innings with a relaxed 91-run partnership that introduced Pakistan inside touching distance of victory.
Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI Highlights
Simply when it appeared Pakistan would cruise dwelling, South Africa struck once more by Lungi Ngidi (2/46) and Corbin Bosch (2/32), triggering late drama. With eight wickets down and two balls remaining, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (4*) and Naseem Shah saved their cool to see Pakistan throughout the road at 264/8.
DE KOCK, PRETORIUS SHINE
Earlier, South Africa put up a aggressive complete of 263 in 49.1 overs, led by Quinton de Kock’s 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 57. The pair added 98 runs for the primary wicket earlier than Pakistan’s bowlers clawed again.
Abrar Ahmed (3/53) and Saim Ayub (2/39) broke essential partnerships, whereas Naseem Shah (3/40) picked up key wickets within the closing overs to halt South Africa’s progress.
The sport swung from one aspect to the opposite all through, conserving the Faisalabad crowd on edge. For Pakistan, it was an evening of endurance, grit, and emotional celebration as worldwide cricket returned to town after practically twenty years.
The victory not solely gave Pakistan a 1-0 collection lead but additionally made the comeback of Iqbal Stadium actually unforgettable.
Transient Scores
South Africa: 263 in 49.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 63, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 57, Matthew Breetzke 42; Naseem Shah 3/40, Abrar Ahmed 3/53, Saim Ayub 2/39)
Pakistan: 264/8 in 49.4 overs (Salman Agha 62, Mohammad Rizwan 55, Fakhar Zaman 45; Lungi Ngidi 2/46, Corbin Bosch 2/32, Donovan Ferreira 2/53)
Outcome: Pakistan beat South Africa by 2 wickets (with 2 balls remaining)
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