SA vs PAK (1st ODI) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the exciting 1st ODI of the Pakistan tour of South Africa, held on December 17, 2024, at Paarl. It was a nail-biting contest where Pakistan triumphed over South Africa by 3 wickets with just 3 balls to spare. The match showcased outstanding performances from both teams, with South Africa setting a competitive target of 240 runs, only to see Pakistan chase it down in dramatic fashion.
PAK edged past SA by 3 wickets with 3 balls to spare. Batting first, South Africa posted 239/9, with key contributions from their middle order. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained tight lines, ensuring the target remained manageable.
Chasing 240, Pakistan faced early setbacks but recovered through a gritty middle-order partnership. A late surge by the lower order sealed the victory, showcasing Pakistan’s composure under pressure. This win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series.
SA innings in the 1st ODI against PAK started with a promising opening stand, as Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton added 70 runs in under 10 overs. De Zorzi displayed aggressive intent, striking six boundaries in his quickfire 33 off 25 balls, while Rickelton contributed a steady 36 off 38 deliveries.
However, Agha Salman’s exceptional spell turned the momentum in Pakistan’s favor. Salman dismissed both openers in quick succession before removing Rassie van der Dussen (8) and Tristan Stubbs (1), leaving South Africa reeling at 88/4 by the 14th over.
Captain Aiden Markram attempted to stabilize the innings with a patient 35 off 54 balls but fell to Saim Ayub just as he was settling in. The innings found much-needed revival through Heinrich Klaasen, who played a composed yet aggressive knock of 86 off 97 balls, laced with seven boundaries and two sixes. Klaasen held the innings together even as wickets fell at the other end, with Marco Jansen (10) and Andile Phehlukwayo (1) failing to provide meaningful support.
Abrar Ahmed complemented Salman’s efforts with two key wickets, dismissing Jansen and Phehlukwayo to stifle the lower middle order. Kagiso Rabada added a handy 11 runs before being run out, while Ottneil Baartman chipped in with 10 not out to push the score to a competitive 239/9 in 50 overs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled with his usual discipline, taking 1/46 in his 10 overs, while Salman was the standout performer with figures of 4/32. Abrar Ahmed’s economical 2/32 further ensured that South Africa’s innings lacked the final flourish they needed to post a bigger total. Despite moments of promise, the hosts struggled to maintain partnerships, finishing with a below-par run rate of 4.78.
Pakistan’s chase of 240 got off to a rocky start as they lost Abdullah Shafique (0) early, dismissed by Marco Jansen, leaving them at 2/1. Babar Azam (23) and Mohammad Rizwan (1) couldn’t build partnerships either, falling to Ottneil Baartman’s disciplined bowling. At 46/4, Pakistan found themselves in a tight spot, but Saim Ayub played a stellar knock, anchoring the chase with a brilliant 109 off 119 balls. His innings included 10 fours and 3 sixes, providing the backbone for the chase.
Despite Ayub’s heroics, wickets continued to fall at the other end, with Kamran Ghulam (4) run out and Irfan Khan (1) falling cheaply. With Pakistan still needing 39 runs from 8 overs, Salman Agha stepped up, contributing a valuable 82 not out from 90 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. Agha’s calm presence in the middle guided Pakistan closer to the target.
Pakistan reached the target in 49.3 overs, with a thrilling finish, as they successfully chased down 240/7, winning by 3 wickets with 3 balls remaining. Kagiso Rabada and Baartman picked up two wickets each, but Ayub and Agha’s steady batting ensured the victory.
South Africa vs Pakistan Scoreboard
South Africa– 239/9
Pakistan– 242/7 (49.3/50)
Result – Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Salman Agha
SA vs PAK Playing XI
South Africa
Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen(WK), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(C)(WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.