A pair of composed half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha led Pakistan to a heart-stopping two-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI on Tuesday, marking a triumphant return of international cricket to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years.
The hosts reached 264 for 8 in 49.4 overs, chasing down South Africa’s 263, in a contest that swung from dominance to desperation before Pakistan finally prevailed with two balls remaining.
Rizwan And Salman Steady The Chase
Chasing 264, Pakistan got off to a fluent start through openers Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) and Saim Ayub (39 off 42), who added 87 runs for the first wicket.
After a brief middle-order wobble, Salman Ali Agha played the anchor’s role with a mature 62 off 71 balls (5 fours, 1 six), while Mohammad Rizwan crafted a composed 55 off 74. Their 91-run stand for the fourth wicket turned the tide back in Pakistan’s favour.
When the chase threatened to unravel at the end — from 241 for 5 to 263 for 8 — tailenders Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah held their nerve to finish the job, sparking joyous celebrations among the home crowd.
Shaheen Praises Team’s Composure
Skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi, leading Pakistan in ODIs for the first time, was full of praise for his side’s resilience.
I think it was a normal game for me, nothing special. Whatever the situation, just do your best, nothing more. We thought we’d get some help early with the ball, and maybe some dew later, but it totally changed. Credit to the batsmen; they handled it really well on a tough surface.
He also thanked the fans for turning out in large numbers for Faisalabad’s long-awaited return to international cricket.
Thanks to the Faisalabad crowd — cricket here after a long time, and they made it special for us. We’ll try not to make it this close next time!
South Africa Rue Missed Chances
Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs after electing to bat. Openers Quinton de Kock (63 off 71) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57 off 60) provided a commanding 98-run start, but their dismissals triggered a slide.
Captain Matthew Breetzke chipped in with 42, and Corbin Bosch added a handy 41 lower down, but Pakistan’s bowlers combined effectively to prevent a late surge.
Fast bowler Naseem Shah (3 for 40) was the standout performer, well supported by Abrar Ahmed (3 for 53) and Saim Ayub (2 for 39), as South Africa fell just short of a commanding total.
We were 20-30 runs short. We lost wickets in clusters, but there were positives, Lhuan-dre is a special player, and Quinton batted beautifully. The bowlers fought hard and took it to the last over, so I’m proud of the effort.
Return Of Cricket, Return Of Joy
For Faisalabad, Tuesday’s game was more than just a result, it was a revival. The city hosted its first international fixture since 2008, and the crowd responded with energy that mirrored the drama on the field.
The victory also gave Pakistan an early 1–0 lead in the three-match series and ensured a winning start for Shaheen’s ODI captaincy reign.
The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Thursday (November 6), with the final match scheduled for Saturday (November 8).
Brief Scores: South Africa: 263 all out in 49.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 63, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 57, Matthew Breetzke 42, Corbin Bosch 41; Naseem Shah 3-40, Abrar Ahmed 3-53, Saim Ayub 2-39); Pakistan: 264/8 in 49.4 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Mohammad Rizwan 55, Fakhar Zaman 45, Saim Ayub 39, Hussain Talat 22; Corbin Bosch 2-32, Lungi Ngidi 2-46, Donovan Ferreira 2-53). Result: Pakistan won by 2 wickets.
EXCLUSIVE | PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi To Defend Dual Role Amid Growing India Pressure at ICC
South Africa's Dewald Brevis Ruled Out of Pakistan ODI Series with Shoulder Injury
The Captain Who Wouldn’t Give Up: Wolvaardt’s Hundred Shines Through the Tears of Defeat
A Billion Dreams Realised: India’s Women Rewrite History with World Cup Triumph
3rd T20I: Washington’s late fireworks and Arshdeep’s early strikes hand India victory in Hobart
