FAISALABAD – Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in the first match of the ODI series.
The match, played at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, saw Pakistan chase down a target of 264 runs in the final over with eight wickets down.
For Pakistan, Salman Agha top-scored with 62 runs. Mohammad Rizwan scored 55, Fakhar Zaman 45, Saim Ayub 39, Hussain Talat 22, Mohammad Nawaz 9, Babar Azam 7, and Hasan Nawaz 1. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on 4, while Naseem Shah was not out on 0.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Donavon Ferreira took two wickets each, while Jorne Fortuin and George Linde claimed one wicket apiece.
Earlier, batting first after being invited by Pakistan, South Africa were bowled out for 263 runs in 49.1 overs.
For the Proteas, Quinton de Kock — making a comeback from retirement — top-scored with 63 runs. Luan-dre Pretorius made 57, captain Matthew Breetzke 42, Corbin Bosch 41, Sinethemba Qeshile 22, Tony de Zorzi 18, Donavon Ferreira 3, George Linde 2, Lizaad Williams 1, and Jorne Fortuin was dismissed without scoring.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, while Saim Ayub picked up two. Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one wicket apiece.
