Pakistan’s Historic Chase: Record-Breaking Victory Against South Africa

Pakistan’s Historic Chase: Record-Breaking Victory Against South Africa

Pakistan achieved their highest-ever successful run chase in ODIs, securing a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand with a remarkable six-wicket victory over South Africa. Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan starred with brilliant centuries, forming a record-breaking 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

South Africa’s Strong Batting Performance

Batting first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 352/5, led by solid performances from Heinrich Klaasen, Matthew Breetzke, and Temba Bavuma.

🔹 Matthew Breetzke top-scored with 83 runs, while Temba Bavuma contributed 82 runs.
🔹 Heinrich Klaasen played a crucial role, scoring 87 runs with aggressive strokeplay.
🔹 Pakistan’s bowlers had a tough day, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking 2 for 66 in his spell.

Pakistan’s Chase: A Confident Start

Chasing 353, Pakistan had an aggressive start as Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam added 56 runs in the first six overs. However, Pakistan lost wickets quickly:

🔹 Babar Azam (19) was trapped LBW by Wiaan Mulder in the seventh over.
🔹 Fakhar Zaman played fluently for 41 runs before edging a delivery from Mulder.
🔹 Saud Shakeel contributed 15 runs before being caught at deep mid-wicket.
🔹 Pakistan's 91/2 in the powerplay was their third-highest since 2002, keeping them on track.

Rizwan & Salman’s Record Partnership

At 75/3 in the 11th over, Pakistan needed a strong partnership, and Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha delivered:

🔹 Mohammad Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 off 106 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes.
🔹 Salman Agha smashed 134 off 87 balls, marking his maiden ODI century.
🔹 Their 260-run stand was the highest-ever against South Africa in an ODI chase and Pakistan’s fourth-highest in run chases overall.

Final Overs: Pakistan’s Clinical Finish

🔹 With 10 overs left, Pakistan required 82 runs, keeping the run rate manageable.
🔹 Rizwan reached his century with a massive six off Mulder, while Salman got his hundred off 87 balls.
🔹 Pakistan crossed 300 in the 44th over, needing just 32 more runs in the last five overs.

Although Salman fell in the 49th over, Rizwan ensured Pakistan crossed the finish line with six balls to spare, sealing an emphatic victory and leaving South Africa with their sixth consecutive ODI defeat.

Match Summary

🏏 South Africa: 352/5 (Klaasen 87, Breetzke 83, Bavuma 82, Afridi 2-66)
🏏 Pakistan: 355/4 (Salman 134, Rizwan 122*, Fakhar 41, Mulder 2-79)
✅ Pakistan won by 6 wickets

With this victory, Pakistan secured a place in the final against New Zealand, delivering one of their finest batting performances in ODI history.

seo url: pakistan-record-odi-chase