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In a gripping encounter at the Iqbal Stadium, Pakistan edged out South Africa by two wickets in the first ODI, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series. The match had everything – classy batting, clever spin bowling and a tense finish that went down to the final over.
South Africa build strong platform before Pakistan’s spinners strike
Put in to bat first, South Africa began steadily as openers Quinton de Kock (63 off 71) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57 off 60) put together a solid 91-run partnership. De Kock, with his signature timing, struck six fours and two sixes, while Pretorius counter-attacked with flair.
However, once Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub were introduced into the attack, the complexion of the innings changed. Both spinners struck crucial blows, dismissing set batters and slowing the run rate.
Abrar Ahmed (3/53) was the standout, foxing the middle order with flight and turn, while Saim Ayub (2/39) provided excellent support with his part-time spin. Naseem Shah (3/40) wrapped up the tail efficiently, ensuring South Africa were bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs.
Corbin Bosch’s 41 off 40 provided late resistance, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured South Africa couldn’t push beyond a par total.
Salman Agha anchors Pakistan’s chase
Pakistan’s reply began confidently with Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) and Saim Ayub (39 off 42) adding a brisk 87 runs for the first wicket. Both openers looked in fine touch, punishing anything loose from the South African pacers.
However, wickets in the middle overs threatened to derail the chase. Babar Azam fell early for just seven runs. With Pakistan at 105/3, the game hung in the balance.
It was Salman Agha (62 off 71) who turned the tide. Showing remarkable composure, he built partnerships with Mohammad Rizwan (55 off 74) and Hussain Talat (22 off 25), rotating the strike and punishing bad deliveries. Salman’s blend of patience and aggression earned him the Player of the Match award.
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Pakistan hold their nerves to take the opening ODI against South Africa 🏏 📝:
— ICC (@ICC)
Even as South Africa clawed back through Lungi Ngidi (2/46), Donovan Ferreira (2/53) and Bosch (2/32), Salman’s maturity guided Pakistan close enough before the lower order held firm.
The second ODI will be played on Thursday, November 6, once again at Iqbal Stadium. South Africa will look to bounce back and level the series, while Pakistan will aim to continue their momentum and clinch the series early.
