In the first One Day International (ODI) against South Africa at Boland Park, Pakistan triumphed thanks to outstanding contributions from Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, clinching a three-wicket victory with just three balls to spare.
Saim Ayub was the show’s star, hitting a dynamic 109 runs, which included ten boundaries and three sixes. His innings set the foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase. Salman Ali Agha also played a pivotal role, contributing a solid 82 runs from 90 balls, enriched with four boundaries and two sixes. His effort helped stabilize Pakistan’s innings after a few quick losses.
However, the rest of the Pakistani batting lineup struggled to contribute significantly. Irfan Khan Niazi and Mohammad Rizwan each scored only one run, while Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen Afridi failed to score. Babar Azam was the only player to reach double digits, scoring 23 runs off 38 balls.
Beautiful gesture 😍👏@SalmanAliAgha1 gives his player of the match award to @SaimAyub7 🏆#SAvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/GIihdyq409
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 17, 2024The hosts, batting first, set a target of 240 runs and finished their innings at 239 for 9. Heinrich Klaasen stood out for South Africa, scoring 86 runs and forming key partnerships, including a 73-run fifth-wicket stand with captain Aiden Markram, who added 35 runs.
Salman Ali Agha excelled with both bat and ball, taking four critical wickets for 32 runs in his four overs, significantly shifting the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Abrar Ahmed supported the bowling attack by taking two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saim Ayub claimed one.
Saim Ayub's brilliant 1⃣0⃣9⃣ and Salman Ali Agha's unbeaten 8⃣2⃣* guided Pakistan to a 3-wicket win in the first ODI 🏏#SAvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/Nb5YswNM9C
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 17, 2024Read: Pakistan and South Africa Ready for ODI Series Showdown
This victory gives Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series, building excitement for the upcoming matches. The teams are set to face off again, with Pakistan looking to maintain their momentum and South Africa aiming to bounce back.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi.
