Pakistan triumphed over South Africa with a record chase of 353 runs, led by centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha. Rizwan scored 122 not out, while Salman contributed 134 runs. South Africa, despite setting a strong total of 352, could not defend their score due to these stellar performances by the Pakistani batsmen. This victory propels Pakistan into the tri-series final against New Zealand.
In a remarkable display of batting, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha propelled Pakistan to a momentous six-wicket victory over South Africa, securing their place in the tri-series final. This match, held in Karachi, saw Rizwan score a magnificent 122 not out and Salman contribute 134 runs, leading Pakistan to chase down a record total of 353 runs, their highest successful ODI chase.
Pakistan achieved this accomplishment by forming a formidable partnership of 260 runs for the fourth wicket, surpassing the previous record of 206 set by Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan against India in 2009. This performance also dispelled concerns regarding Pakistan’s batting frailties, as the team eclipsed their previous highest successful chase of 349 against Australia in Lahore.
Matthew Breetzke set a record for South Africa by scoring 150 and 83 runs in his first two ODIs, although his efforts ultimately fell short. The team had initially posted a formidable 352 runs, bolstered by significant contributions from Temba Bavuma (82) and Heinrich Klaasen (87), though they were unable to prevent Rizwan and Agha’s counterattack.
Rizwan expressed his joy, noting, “When God helps, you break all kinds of records,” and remarked on their strategy to restrict South Africa to a score beneath 320. Bavuma, acknowledging the flat pitch as a contributing factor to their defeat, stated, “It was a good wicket and was tough work for bowlers. We needed wickets in the middle which we didn’t get.”
Despite their efforts, including a blatant clash between fast bowler Shaheen Afridi and Breetzke, Pakistan could not put South Africa under consistent pressure, and they finished their innings with notable performances at the tail end, surpassing the 350 mark with contributions from Kyle Verreynne and Corbin Bosch.
In summary, Pakistan showcased their batting prowess with a historic chase, led by outstanding performances from Rizwan and Salman. The match highlighted the team’s resilience and capability to overcome previous records, while South Africa’s batting stood out as well. Looking ahead, Pakistan will face New Zealand in the final, another opportunity to demonstrate their skills ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
