Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI: Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman Star in Pakistan’s Thrilling Chase
Karachi, February 12, 2025: Pakistan showcased a batting masterclass in the 3rd ODI against South Africa, successfully chasing down 352 with six wickets in hand and six balls to spare. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 122 off 128 balls and Agha Salman’s sensational 134 off 103 deliveries powered Pakistan to 355/4 in 49 overs, sealing a thrilling victory in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series at the National Stadium, Karachi.
This win marks Pakistan’s highest successful run chase in ODIs, surpassing their previous best of 349 against Australia.
South Africa’s Innings: Bavuma, Breetzke, and Klaasen Shine in 352-Run Effort
After being put in to bat, South Africa posted a formidable 352/5 in 50 overs, courtesy of strong performances from their top and middle order.
Key Highlights from South Africa’s Innings:
✅ Temba Bavuma (82 off 96) anchored the innings with a well-paced knock.
✅ Matthew Breetzke (83 off 84) and Heinrich Klaasen (87 off 56) provided the acceleration.
✅ Kyle Verreynne’s late flourish (44 off 32) ensured South Africa crossed 350.*
Despite a strong total, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to restrict further damage with timely breakthroughs. Shaheen Afridi (2/66) and Naseem Shah (1/68) were the pick of the bowlers, while Khushdil Shah (1/39) chipped in with a key wicket.
Pakistan’s Chase: Rizwan and Salman Script a Memorable Victory
Chasing 353, Pakistan had an aggressive start but lost three quick wickets inside 11 overs, with Babar Azam (23), Saud Shakeel (15), and Fakhar Zaman (41) falling early. At 91/3, South Africa seemed in control.
However, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman turned the game on its head with a match-winning 260-run partnership for the 4th wicket—the highest ever for Pakistan in ODIs.
Key Performances in Pakistan’s Innings:
✅ Mohammad Rizwan (122 off 128)* played a composed knock, guiding Pakistan home.
✅ Agha Salman (134 off 103) played an aggressive counter-attacking innings with 16 fours and 2 sixes.
✅ Tayyab Tahir (4 off 1)* finished things off in style in the final over.
Pakistan reached 355/4 in 49 overs, securing a six-wicket victory with one over to spare.
Bowling Analysis: South Africa’s Struggles
South Africa’s bowlers failed to defend the massive total, with Pakistan’s batters dictating the game.
✅ Wiaan Mulder (2/79) picked up crucial early wickets but was expensive.
✅ Lungi Ngidi (1/74) and Corbin Bosch (1/70) lacked penetration.
✅ Spin duo of Keshav Maharaj (0/54) and Tabraiz Shamsi (0/53) failed to make an impact.
Key Takeaways from Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI
✅ Pakistan successfully chased 352, marking their highest-ever ODI chase.
✅ Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s record 260-run stand was the game-changer.
✅ South Africa’s bowlers failed to defend a big total, struggling for breakthroughs.
✅ Pakistan’s spinners restricted South Africa’s middle-order surge, despite Klaasen’s explosive knock.
