Cricket

Times

One Day Trophy. Women

Madhya Pradesh (Women)

1
1.452

22:00

22.12.2024, 22:00
x
50

Jammu and Kashmir (Women)

2
2.557
Cricket Match. Source: shutterstock.com

Pakistan Edges Past South Africa in Nail-Biting ODI

In a thrilling opening ODI in Paarl, Saim Ayub's composed century and Salman Agha's all-round brilliance helped Pakistan secure a three-wicket victory over South Africa. Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s fighting 86 and a spirited bowling performance from South Africa, Pakistan held their nerve to chase down the 240-run target with just three balls to spare.

Early Wickets Dent Pakistan’s Chase

Set a target of 240, Pakistan stumbled early when Marco Jansen bowled Abdullah Shafique for a duck. The South African bowlers, led by Jansen, kept the pressure on, allowing just five boundaries in the first 10 overs. Babar Azam showed glimpses of form before being dismissed for 23, followed by quick wickets from Ottneil Baartman, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 60 for 4 in the 20th over.

Ayub and Agha Revive Pakistan

Saim Ayub, who initially batted cautiously, began to accelerate after reaching a 72-ball half-century. At the other end, Salman Agha rotated the strike efficiently, setting the stage for a crucial recovery. The duo stitched a game-changing 141-run partnership, with Ayub smashing two sixes off Baartman and reaching his second ODI hundred off 112 deliveries. Agha complemented Ayub by bringing up his fifty in style with a six off Tabraiz Shamsi.

Late Drama and Agha’s Heroics

Just as the chase seemed under control, Kagiso Rabada struck twice, removing Ayub and Irfan Khan in quick succession. Shamsi added to Pakistan’s woes by bowling Shaheen Afridi for a duck. With 28 runs needed off 30 balls, South Africa tightened their grip, but Agha kept his composure. A crucial six off Shamsi and a streaky boundary off Jansen eased the pressure, and Agha sealed the win with a boundary in the final over.

South Africa’s Innings

A Tale of Two HalvesOpting to bat first, South Africa got off to a flying start as Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton added 70 runs in the first 10 overs. However, Salman Agha’s spin turned the game on its head, dismissing both openers and adding the scalps of Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs in quick succession. From 88 for 4, Klaasen and Aiden Markram rebuilt with a 73-run partnership, but Ayub ended their stand by dismissing Markram for 34.

Klaasen continued to fight, scoring a measured fifty and adding 50 runs with Jansen. However, Abrar Ahmed’s clever bowling ended Jansen’s stay, and Afridi delivered the final blow by bowling Klaasen. Late contributions from Rabada and Baartman pushed South Africa to 239, but it proved insufficient.

Brief Scores

South Africa 239/9 in 50 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 86, Ryan Rickelton 36; Salman Agha 4-32, Abrar Ahmed 2-32) lost to Pakistan 242/7 in 49.3 overs (Saim Ayub 109, Salman Agha 82*; Kagiso Rabada 2-48, Ottneil Baartman 2-37) by 3 wickets.

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