In a thrilling encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 12, 2025, Pakistan’s national cricket team achieved their highest-ever successful run chase in One Day Internationals (ODIs), defeating South Africa by six wickets in a Tri-Nation Series match.Pakistan National Cricket Team
South Africa’s Innings:
Opting to bat first on a batsman-friendly pitch with a lightning-fast outfield, South Africa posted a formidable total of 352 for five in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by significant contributions from:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain): Scored 82 runs, providing a solid foundation at the top.
- Matthew Breetzke: Added 83 runs, showcasing aggressive stroke play.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Played a blistering knock of 87 runs, accelerating the scoring in the middle overs.
Pakistan’s Response:
Facing a daunting target, Pakistan’s chase began shakily, finding themselves at 91 for 3. However, a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership between:
- Salman Agha: Scored his maiden ODI century with 134 runs.
- Mohammad Rizwan: Remained unbeaten with 122 runs.
The duo amassed a 260-run stand, steering Pakistan to victory with six balls to spare. This chase surpassed their previous highest successful run chase of 349 against Australia in Lahore in 2022.
Significance of the Victory:
This monumental win not only highlights Pakistan’s batting prowess but also serves as a significant confidence booster as they prepare to host the Champions Trophy. The team is set to face New Zealand in the Tri-Nations final in Karachi on Friday.
Scorecard Summary:
- South Africa: 352/5 in 50 overs (Temba Bavuma 82, Matthew Breetzke 83, Heinrich Klaasen 87)
- Pakistan: 353/4 in 49 overs (Salman Agha 134, Mohammad Rizwan 122*)
This match will be remembered as a testament to Pakistan’s resilience and determination in the face of a challenging target.
Pakistan’s Record-Breaking Chase Against South Africa: A Historic ODI Triumph
In an electrifying ODI clash at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 12, 2025, Pakistan scripted history by successfully chasing their highest-ever ODI target, defeating South Africa by six wickets. The match, part of the ongoing Tri-Nation Series, witnessed incredible individual performances, record partnerships, and a high-intensity battle between bat and ball.
South Africa’s Dominant Batting Display
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, South Africa took full advantage of the batting-friendly conditions. The Pakistani bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs as the Proteas piled up a mammoth total of 352/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
Top Performers for South Africa:
- Temba Bavuma (82 runs off 90 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
- Provided a solid start and built a crucial partnership at the top.
- Matthew Breetzke (83 runs off 78 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes)
- Played aggressive strokes and kept the momentum going.
- Heinrich Klaasen (87 runs off 59 balls, 8 fours, 4 sixes)
- Took the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers in the middle overs, accelerating the run rate.
- David Miller (47 off 32 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes)*
- Provided a strong finish, ensuring South Africa crossed the 350-run mark.
Pakistan’s bowlers had a difficult time containing the Proteas’ batsmen. Shaheen Afridi was the most economical, finishing with figures of 2/67 in 10 overs, while Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf picked up a wicket each.
Pakistan’s Unbelievable Chase
Chasing 353, Pakistan’s innings got off to a shaky start. Fakhar Zaman (22), Babar Azam (19), and Abdullah Shafique (15) all fell early, leaving Pakistan struggling at 91/3 in the 17th over. However, what followed was an absolute masterclass in run-chasing.
The Match-Winning Partnership
With Pakistan in trouble, Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan took charge, constructing a historic 260-run fourth-wicket stand, the highest for Pakistan in ODIs.
- Salman Agha (134 off 110 balls, 14 fours, 4 sixes)
- Played the innings of his life, scoring his maiden ODI century.
- Played both spin and pace with confidence, ensuring Pakistan kept up with the required run rate.
- Mohammad Rizwan (122 off 99 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes)*
- Remained calm under pressure and paced his innings perfectly.
- Finished the match in style, hitting the winning boundary in the 49th over.
Pakistan reached 353/4 in 49 overs, completing their highest-ever successful chase in ODIs, surpassing their previous record of 349 against Australia in 2022.
Match Summary & Scorecard
South Africa – 352/5 (50 overs)
- Matthew Breetzke – 83 (78)
- Temba Bavuma – 82 (90)
- Heinrich Klaasen – 87 (59)
- David Miller – 47* (32)
- Shaheen Afridi – 2/67 (10)
- Shadab Khan – 1/71 (10)
Pakistan – 353/4 (49 overs)
- Salman Agha – 134 (110)
- Mohammad Rizwan – 122* (99)
- Fakhar Zaman – 22 (17)
- Babar Azam – 19 (21)
- Gerald Coetzee – 2/72 (10)
- Keshav Maharaj – 1/63 (9)
Records and Milestones Achieved in the Match
Pakistan’s Highest Successful Chase in ODI History – 353 runs. Salman Agha’s Maiden ODI Century – 134 runs. Mohammad Rizwan’s Second Highest ODI Score – 122*. Highest Fourth-Wicket Partnership for Pakistan in ODIs – 260 runs (Salman Agha & Rizwan).
What This Victory Means for Pakistan
This victory serves as a major confidence booster for Pakistan, especially ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With their batting lineup showing resilience and match-winning capabilities, Pakistan has sent a strong message to their rivals.
They now advance to the Tri-Nation Series Final against New Zealand, scheduled for Friday, February 16, 2025, in Karachi. A win there could further solidify their position as one of the most dangerous ODI teams in the world.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s thrilling chase against South Africa will be remembered as one of their greatest ODI performances. With Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan leading from the front, the Men in Green once again proved their ability to perform under pressure. As they gear up for the final, fans are hopeful for another spectacular display from their team.
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