Pakistan kicked off their ODI series against South Africa with a thrilling 3-wicket victory in the opening game at Boland Park in Paarl. The contest went down to the wire where the visitors held their nerve and managed to claim a nail-biting win.
Agha Salman sizzles with the ball
South Africa got off to a steady start as openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton contributed 33 and 36 runs, respectively. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed, kept the middle order under control. Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a superb 86 off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, giving the hosts a fighting total. Ahmed’s tidy spell of 2/32 and Salman’s remarkable 4/32 were instrumental in restricting South Africa to 239.
Saim Ayub hits a brilliant ton to take Pakistan over the finish line
In response, Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the opening over. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan struggling at 4/3. Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a masterclass 109 off 119 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 3 sixes. His partnership with Salman, who scored a well-crafted 82 off 90 balls, proved to be the backbone of the chase.
Despite a late flurry of wickets, Saim’s heroics and Salman’s composed innings ensured Pakistan crossed the line with three balls to spare. Ottniel Baartman and Kagiso Rabada were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets each.
Salman not only impressed with the ball but also delivered a match-defining knock with the bat. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his critical role in Pakistan’s victory.
Also WATCH: SA vs PAK – Shaheen Afridi knocks over Heinrich Klaasen’s middle stump with an absolute snorter in the 1st ODI
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Outstanding from Saim Ayub. 2nd ODI century scored with his team under pressure at 60/4. Lovely controlled innings.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
A type of innings by Saim Ayub that affirms he is one for the future. Truly brilliant. 💯
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha spins a web with a brilliant 4-wicket haul to crush South Africa🔥
I don’t know why Rizwan didn’t let him complete his spell. Anyways, brilliant bowling with perfect line and length.#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/je91N4xcB0— The PCT Army. (@thepctarmy0) December 17, 2024
What a win, masterclass innings by Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub pic.twitter.com/yisAn3homW
— خان (@Khanstitution1) December 17, 2024
He took his time to build a partnership when Pakistan collapsed, batting with maturity and attacking when it was needed.
A knock to remember for years for Saim Ayub. pic.twitter.com/57H5YpmvmK
— Ajmal Raza (@MrAJMALSays) December 17, 2024
Naseem shah to Salman ali agha , “5 run tu kia marega single double karta ja” pic.twitter.com/or374yqUTC
— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 17, 2024
Credit goes to
Saim ayub and salman Ali agha ❤congratulations Pakistan#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vwDyY57iVs— Fatima habib (@faty_345) December 17, 2024
Massive Six from Agha Salman to complete fifty!#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2BnESlCVsO
— CricVid 📹! (@mysay07) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub Deserves All The Hype And Respect Around Him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y29xo6XtVS
— Challenger X (@MahdAdrees56) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha gets a 4-Fer 🔥
Brilliant spell 🔥#PakistanCricket | #PAKvSA | #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/SzhwgYUVQX— Babar Zone (@BabarZone) December 17, 2024
Saim ayub done 💯 in his style #PAKvsSA #YuniverseAwards2024 #MissFrance2025 #LingOrm #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b9L5T1U0M6
— Mudassar Bhatti (@Bhattisb78) December 17, 2024
Also READ: SA vs PAK 2024, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, USA, South Africa, Pakistan & other countries
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