Pakistan beat South Africa (SA) in a thriller by two wickets in the first ODI between the two sides, SA vs PAK 2025, at Faisalabad to mark the venue’s comeback to international cricket in the country after 17 long years. Salman Agha with Mohammad Rizwan, along with the spinners of their side, sealed the chase for 264, the highest successful ODI chase at the venue for the Men In Green.
Historic Return to Faisalabad Ends with Pakistan Triumph
Pakistan narrowly defeated South Africa in an exciting game that was Shaheen Afridi’s first game as ODI captain, chasing the winning target with two deliveries left. This was also Pakistan’s fifth ODI win in a row versus South Africa, heightening their recent stranglehold on South Africa in this format.
Strong Start, Mid-Innings Wobble for Pakistan
Pursuing a challenging target, Pakistan’s openers – Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) had put on a strong 87-run opening stand before South Africa bounced back with some quick wickets. In successive overs, Donovan Ferreira dismissed both openers, and then Babar Azam departed lbw to Bjorn Fortuin, and Pakistan found themselves in a little bit of trouble at 105/3.
Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan Anchor the Chase
The middle order was restored through a vital 91-run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan, 55 off 74, and Salman Agha, 62 off 73. Rizwan played a very patient and composed knock, cleverly manipulating the spinners, while Salman Agha’s fluent stroke play, laced with sweeps and late cuts, kept the scoreboard moving.
Their stand took Pakistan past the danger zone before Rizwan fell to Corbin Bosch in the 39th over. Later, Hussain Talat’s cameo of 22 off 25 ensured Pakistan remained in control despite losing wickets in a late collapse, slipping from 241/4 to 252/7.
Pakistan Spinners Turn the Game in the First Innings
Earlier in the SA vs PAK encounter, South Africa’s innings centred around a rapid 98-run opening partnership between Quinton de Kock (63 off 71) and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57 off 60). While both the batters made the most of the new ball, Pakistan’s spinners – led by Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz managed to reel the hosts back into the contest.
Saim Ayub broke the opening stand by dismissing Pretorius and later removed Tony de Zorzi, 18, with a beauty. Naseem Shah dismissed de Kock to really tighten things up for Pakistan. Then Abrar Ahmed ripped through the middle order, taking 3 for 53, while Nawaz chipped in with important wickets. From a commanding 191/3, the South Africans collapsed to 228/8, losing momentum in the most vital final overs.
Bosch Fights Back, Shaheen Afridi Seals the Innings
All-rounder Corbin Bosch offered some resistance with a quickfire 41 off 40, but Pakistan’s bowlers closed out strongly. A deadly yorker by Shaheen Afridi ended Bosch’s stay in the 49th over, and Naseem Shah (3/40) wrapped up the innings by bowling Lizaad Williams to restrict South Africa to 263 in 49.1 overs.
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PAK vs SA: Pakistan Clinch 1-0 Lead in ODI Series
A collective bowling effort backed up by a composed chase gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match SA vs PAK ODI series. Late nerves did little to deter the hosts as they saw through a memorable win on Faisalabad’s return to the international circuit.
Brief Scores
South Africa: 263 in 49.1 overs (de Kock 63, Pretorius 57; Naseem 3-40, Abrar 3-53)
Pakistan: 264/9 in 49.4 overs (Salman Agha 62, Rizwan 55; Bosch 2-32, Ngidi 2-46)
Result: Pakistan won by 2 wickets
Key Highlights – SA vs PAK 1st ODI 2025
Salman Agha and Rizwan anchor Pakistan’s record chase.
Spinners dominate after early South African partnership.
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Shaheen Afridi wins his first ODI as captain. Faisalabad hosts international cricket after 17 years. Pakistan take 1-0 series lead in the SA vs PAK clash.
