Pakistan kicked off their ODI sequence in opposition to South Africa with an exhilarating 3-wicket victory within the opening recreation at Boland Park in Paarl. The competition went all the way down to the wire the place the guests held their nerve and managed to say a nail-biting win.
Agha Salman sizzles with the ball
South Africa acquired off to a gradual begin as openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton contributed 33 and 36 runs, respectively. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s bowlers, notably Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed, saved the center order beneath management. Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with an outstanding 86 off 97 balls, together with seven boundaries and two sixes, giving the hosts a combating complete. Ahmed’s tidy spell of two/32 and Salman’s exceptional 4/32 have been instrumental in limiting South Africa to 239.
Saim Ayub hits an excellent ton to take Pakistan over the end line
In response, Pakistan had a shaky begin, dropping Abdullah Shafique for a duck within the opening over. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan struggling at 4/3. Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a masterclass 109 off 119 deliveries, hanging 10 fours and three sixes. His partnership with Salman, who scored a well-crafted 82 off 90 balls, proved to be the spine of the chase.
Regardless of a late flurry of wickets, Saim’s heroics and Salman’s composed innings ensured Pakistan crossed the road with three balls to spare. Ottniel Baartman and Kagiso Rabada have been the choose of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets every.
Salman not solely impressed with the ball but in addition delivered a match-defining knock with the bat. His all-round brilliance earned him the Participant of the Match award, highlighting his crucial position in Pakistan’s victory.
Additionally WATCH: SA vs PAK – Shaheen Afridi knocks over Heinrich Klaasen’s center stump with an absolute snorter within the 1st ODI
Right here is how Twitter reacted:
Excellent from Saim Ayub. 2nd ODI century scored along with his crew beneath strain at 60/4. Beautiful managed innings.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
A sort of innings by Saim Ayub that affirms he’s one for the long run. Actually good. 💯
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha spins an internet with an excellent 4-wicket haul to crush South Africa🔥
I do not know why Rizwan did not let him full his spell. In any case, good bowling with excellent line and size.#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/je91N4xcB0— The PCT Military. (@thepctarmy0) December 17, 2024
What a win, masterclass innings by Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub pic.twitter.com/yisAn3homW
— خان (@Khanstitution1) December 17, 2024
He took his time to construct a partnership when Pakistan collapsed, batting with maturity and attacking when it was wanted.
A knock to recollect for years for Saim Ayub. pic.twitter.com/57H5YpmvmK
— Ajmal Raza (@MrAJMALSays) December 17, 2024
Naseem shah to Salman ali agha , “5 run tu kia marega single double karta ja” pic.twitter.com/or374yqUTC
— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 17, 2024
Credit score goes to
Saim ayub and salman Ali agha ❤congratulations Pakistan#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vwDyY57iVs— Fatima habib (@faty_345) December 17, 2024
Huge Six from Agha Salman to finish fifty!#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2BnESlCVsO
— CricVid 📹! (@mysay07) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub Deserves All The Hype And Respect Round Him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y29xo6XtVS
— Challenger X (@MahdAdrees56) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha will get a 4-Fer 🔥
Good spell 🔥#PakistanCricket | #PAKvSA | #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/SzhwgYUVQX— Babar Zone (@BabarZone) December 17, 2024
Saim ayub completed 💯 in his type #PAKvsSA #YuniverseAwards2024 #MissFrance2025 #LingOrm #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b9L5T1U0M6
— Mudassar Bhatti (@Bhattisb78) December 17, 2024