Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha celebrate their record partnership against South Africa, securing Pakistan’s spot in the Tri-Nation Series final. Image: crictoday.
South Africa set an imposing total of 352 for five after winning the toss and opting to bat. Captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi laid a solid foundation with a 51-run opening stand before Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed De Zorzi for 22. Bavuma continued his fine form, partnering with Mathew Breetzke for a massive 119-run second-wicket stand. Breetzke shone on debut with 83, while Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 87 off 56 deliveries pushed the Proteas past the 300 mark.
Pakistan’s chase started positively, with Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman racing to 56 within six overs. Despite losing quick wickets, Rizwan and Ali Agha stabilised the innings and then went on the attack. Rizwan played a captain’s knock, converting his half-century into a century, while Ali Agha recorded his maiden ODI hundred.
Their record fourth-wicket partnership took Pakistan within touching distance of victory. Ali Agha eventually fell for 134, but Tayyab Tahir sealed the win, guiding Pakistan to the final against New Zealand.
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