First ODI: Pakistan Defeats South Africa by 2 Wickets in Thrilling Finish

FAISALABAD – Pakistan edged past South Africa by 2 wickets in a nail-biting finish to claim victory in the first One Day International played at Faisalabad.

Batting first, South Africa scored 263 runs in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan chased down the target in 49.4 overs, finishing at 264 for 8.

For South Africa, Quinton de Kock top-scored with 63 runs, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius contributed 57 and Matthew Breetzke made 42 valuable runs.

Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, who both picked up three wickets each. Saim Ayub and Mohammad Nawaz also claimed a wicket apiece to keep the opposition in check.

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In Pakistan’s batting lineup, Fakhar Zaman scored 45, Saim Ayub made 39, and Mohammad Rizwan added a crucial 55 runs. Agha Salman played a brilliant innings of 62 runs to take Pakistan close to victory. Hussain Talat contributed 22, and Mohammad Nawaz scored 9 runs, while captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah held their nerves in the final overs to secure the win.

After the fall of the eighth wicket, Pakistan reached the target with just two balls to spare, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

With this victory, Pakistan took a 1–0 lead in the ODI series against South Africa.