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Pakistan’s Record Chase Secures Spot in Tri-Series Final

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Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha celebrate their record-breaking partnership in Pakistan’s successful run chase against South Africa. — Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha’s match-winning partnership helped Pakistan secure a record chase against South Africa. Credit: PCB

Pakistan Achieves Historic Run Chase Against South Africa

In a thrilling encounter in Karachi, Pakistan successfully chased down a record-breaking total to defeat South Africa by six wickets, securing a place in the tri-series final. Centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha propelled the hosts to their highest-ever successful ODI run chase.

High-Scoring Battle Sets the Stage

South Africa’s Dominant Batting Performance

Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a mammoth 352/5 in 50 overs, thanks to impressive half-centuries from Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen. The visitors got off to a fiery start, scoring 51 runs within eight overs before losing their first wicket.

Bavuma played a well-paced innings, using the crease effectively to keep the scoreboard ticking. Breetzke complemented him with aggressive strokeplay, frequently charging down the pitch to disrupt the bowlers. Their 119-run partnership laid a strong foundation. However, a miscommunication in running between the wickets led to Bavuma’s unfortunate dismissal for 82, triggering intense celebrations from the Pakistani fielders.

Even after Bavuma’s exit, Breetzke (83) and Klaasen (87) continued the charge, ensuring South Africa maintained their scoring momentum. The final overs saw a late flourish, with Kyle Verreynne and Corbin Bosch taking Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Hasnain apart, pushing the total beyond 350.

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke build a strong opening partnership during the tri-series match against Pakistan. — Temba Bavuma and Matthew Breetzke’s solid start helped South Africa post a challenging total against Pakistan. Credit: PCB

Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Chase

Early Fireworks and Setbacks

Chasing 353, Pakistan started aggressively with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman putting on a quickfire half-century stand in less than six overs. While Babar set the tone with two early boundaries, Zaman launched an onslaught on Corbin Bosch, smashing 25 runs off his two overs.

However, South Africa struck back with quick wickets, reducing Pakistan to 91/3 by the 11th over. Saud Shakeel holed out to deep mid-wicket, and Zaman edged one to the wicketkeeper. With the top order struggling, Pakistan needed a steadying act.

Rizwan and Agha’s Historic Partnership

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha took control, initially adopting a conservative approach, relying on singles and rotation of strike. Their patience paid off as they gradually accelerated, punishing loose deliveries. Rizwan signaled his intent in the 29th over, slogsweeping Keshav Maharaj for a six and stepping out to Senuran Muthuswamy for another.

Agha, playing his finest ODI innings, showcased elegant strokeplay, timing his shots to perfection. Their partnership blossomed, turning the tide in Pakistan’s favor. As the target approached, boundaries started flowing more freely, with the South African attack looking increasingly ineffective.

Finishing in Style

Rizwan reached his century in emphatic fashion, pulling Wiaan Mulder for a six, followed closely by Agha, who brought up his maiden ODI ton. The duo stitched a 260-run stand for the fourth wicket, taking Pakistan to the brink of victory. Agha fell just two runs short of the target, but Tayyab Tahir sealed the deal with a boundary off the first ball he faced, ensuring Pakistan’s victory with an over to spare.

Check out Pakistan’s news for more insights into their performance history.

Match Summary & Key Performers

Brief Scores

South Africa: 352/5 in 50 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 87, Matthew Breetzke 83, Temba Bavuma 82; Shaheen Afridi 2-66)
Pakistan: 355/4 in 49 overs (Salman Agha 134, Mohammad Rizwan 122*; Wiaan Mulder 2-79)

Key Moments

Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha’s record 260-run stand
South Africa’s powerful middle-order display led by Klaasen
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman’s explosive opening partnership
Agha’s two stunning catches that dented South Africa’s momentum

For detailed match analysis, visit ESPN Cricinfo.

Looking Ahead: The Final Showdown

With this victory, Pakistan storms into the final, set to be played on Friday (February 14). Their opponents will be determined in the upcoming fixture. If they continue their dominant form, they could be well on their way to clinching the tri-series title.

Stay tuned for the latest cricket updates and expert analysis on upcoming matches.