Pakistan pulled off an upset win against South Africa by just 2 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) match between the two countries recently. It was an epic clash, as both teams thrilled and stunned with their talents on one of the world’s most intimidating competitive pitches. Pakistan, under the captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi, managed to put up a mammoth total of 264 runs. With the loss of eight wickets, they finished their innings in 49.4 overs.
The final played out to a start of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub against the dangerous Sri Lankan bowling attack. Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha equally followed suit in the batting line and ensured that essential runs were added to the scoreboard. Salman Ali Agha produced a fine performance with the bat scoring 62 runs as Muhammad Rizwan contributed 55 runs. Collectively, they were the bedrock of Pakistan’s overall.
South Africa’s bustling bowling attack, spearheaded by Lungi Ngidi who took the most impactful of wickets during the innings, buttressed South Africa’s dominance. Donovan Ferreira and Corbin Bosch both had two as well, cranking the pressure up on the Pakistani batsmen. Rizwan quickly fell to Bosch as Lhuan-dré Pretorius took a catch to dismiss him. Salman Ali Agha played an away ball from Ngidi and was caught by Ferreira. Hussain Talat had a paper-thin contribution with only 22 runs before Ngidi sent him back too. Hasan Nawaz was in trouble from the start and was ultimately out stumped by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for a solitary run.
As the innings progressed, Pakistan’s middle order faced challenges, but Shaheen Shah Afridi remained steadfast at the crease, finishing not out with nine runs alongside Naseem Shah, who remained not out with one run. The team conceded a whopping 20 extras – ten wides and ten leg byes.
South Africa’s captain Matthew Breetzke inspired his players in ways that counted on the field. No matter what he did, they were not going to get the victory. It was a valiant effort from the South African bowling brigade, but they were unable to defend the total put up by Pakistan.
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