Pakistan eked out a thrilling three-wicket win in the first ODI in the three-match series against South Africa at Boland Park, Paarl on Wednesday, December 18.
The Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton got their team off to a fantastic start as they added 70 runs inside the first 10 overs. However, Pakistan bounced back strongly to take four wickets for 18 runs in 24 balls to reduce South Africa to 88/4.
Markram joined forces with Heinrich Klaasen as the duo added 73 runs off 107 balls to resurrect the innings. The former departed after scoring a 54-ball 35. However, Klaasen continued thwarting the Pakistani bowlers with his wide range of shots. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 40 out of the 50-run partnership he had with Marco Jansen for the sixth wicket.
From 211/5 in 41.3 overs, South Africa only managed 239/9 at the end of the first innings. Klaasen top-scored with a 97-ball 86, hitting seven fours and two sixes. Salman Ali Agha changed the game with the ball for the tourists as he finished with figures of 4/32.
In reply, Pakistan lost the wicket of Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the second over. Babar Azam got himself set at the crease before throwing attack. Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam fell cheaply as Pakistan were reduced to 60/4 in 19.1 overs. With their backs against the wall, Salman and Saim Ayub stepped up by adding a mesmerising partnership of 141 runs off 133 balls.
Ayub departed after registering his second ODI century. Kagiso Rabada took his wicket after he scored a magical 109 off 119 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and three sixes. South Africa took two more wickets in quick succession as the home side was reduced to 209/7 in 44.3 overs.
Salman Ali kept a calm head and took his team over the line in the last over. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 82 off 90 balls. He hit four fours and two sixes. Pakistan finished on 242/7 in 49.3 overs. Salman Ali had Naseem Shah for company when he finished the match with a boundary.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to the riveting low-scoring contest
Heartfelt initiative from Salman Ali Agha to award his POM award to Saim Ayub. And great on the presenter to call Saim up and interview them both.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
Well played Salman Ali Agha; cooler than the other side of a pillow👏🏻👏🏻.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
Agha spell and Rizwan captaincy amazing 🙌🇵🇰 #PAKVSAUS
— Amir Yamin (@amiryamin54) December 17, 2024
Congratulations Pakistan🇵🇰
Pakistan win the first ODI match by 3 wickets against south Africa #SAvPAK #SAvsPak #PakistanCricket #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/y9P1hnoR2e
— Hakeem Ishaq Rana (@ISH_313) December 17, 2024
Lovely gesture by Salman❤️
Salman gave his MOTM award to Saim🫶#PAKvsSA #SAvPAK #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/ztWNnbSzmE
— Proud Pakistani🇵🇰👑😇 (@queenhere55) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub rises to the occasion to help Pakistan take a 1-0 ODI series lead in South Africa 👏#SAvPAK 📝 https://t.co/6Jjn09Kdp1 pic.twitter.com/MCY3YAzR2E
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2024
I am sure after Virat and Babar it is going to be Saim and Jaiswal competition on Social Circus.
They both look equally good, but Jaiswal has proved himself in test cricket and Saim is yet to do that. #Saimayub #Jaiswal #Pakistani #INDvsAUS #SAvPak pic.twitter.com/tuzLWtftvk
— The Ordinary Fans (@2ordinaryFans) December 17, 2024
Victory is sweet by Revenge is even sweeter. 🇵🇰 ✅ #PakistanCricket #PAKvSA #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/1VZEZypZ4w
— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub Great Hundred Against South Africa #PAKvsSA #SAvPAK #SaimAub #BabarAzam #SalmanAliAgha #PakistanCricket #Pakistani #PakistanCricketTeam Mohammad Rizwan Saim Ayub #Cricket pic.twitter.com/DnB7Yh3X29
— Syed Waqar Hussain (@SyedWaqarsuch) December 17, 2024
In a small career, Saim Ayub played two absolutely most important and blinder innings.
77 v Eng in 2nd test at a very difficult pitch and Situation
Today 109 v SA again at a very tricky pitch and absolutely difficult situation. Way to go Boy#PAKvsSA #PAKvSA #SAvPAK
— @hmad (@HomoTapien007) December 17, 2024
I wish someone would take me as seriously as Naseem Shah takes his batting! #PAKvSA #SAvPAK
— Dr. Manne Kol (@KashmirHashtag) December 17, 2024
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