SA vs PAK: In a thrilling match in the triangular series, Pakistan shocked South Africa with a stunning chase to register a historic win. Chasing a great target of 353 runs—the record highest for Pakistan in One-Day International cricket—the team showed great grit and ability, led by Mohammad Rizwan. This stunning victory not only won the match but also qualified Pakistan for the final of the tournament.
SA vs PAK: A Record Target
Having been let off the hook after winning the toss, South Africa raced to a magnificent score of 353 runs with some very attacking batting. They managed to score a total of 352 runs in this ODI.
Pakistan has never chased a total of over 350 runs in ODIs, and a target of 353 runs was a big task to overcome. Further to this big total, Pakistan lost three top-order batsmen for a mere 91 runs, which hampered them even more in the chase.
Rizwan-Salman’s record-breaking partnership
Confronted with the impossible task of winning the match, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Aga lifted themselves to the occasion and mounted a remarkable comeback for Pakistan. The two batted together in an unbeaten partnership of 4, registering the highest-ever stand, which gave Pakistan victory.
Rizwan’s glorious innings of 122 off 128 deliveries, calm and smooth in his temperament and technical proficiency, stood as the backbone of Pakistan’s chase. Salman Aga, equally magnificent in his own right, made 134 off 103 balls by incorporating both aggressive and seasoned modes of cricket.
Together, they added a record fourth-wicket stand of 260 runs, the fourth-wicket record for Pakistan in ODIs, and the second-largest fourth-wicket record in ODI cricket. The record of 275-run stands unbeaten to date by Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja in 1998.
A Historic Chase: Pakistan’s Victory
Rizwan and Salman’s partnership took Pakistan close to the target, and they finished the chase with ease, reaching 353/4 in 49 overs. The win was achieved with six wickets in hand, a dramatic reversal from a sticky situation. Fakhar Zaman, who had previously added 41 runs from 28 balls, set the tone with a solid start as Pakistan reached 91 runs in the first powerplay.
Record-Breaking Fourth-Wicket Partnerships in ODI History
The record fourth-wicket partnership by Rizwan and Salman is now Pakistan’s highest fourth-wicket partnership in ODIs. It stood as the second-highest ODI fourth-wicket partnership in history. Here are the top fourth-wicket partnerships in the history of ODIs:
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1. 275 runs – Ajay Jadeja & Mohammad Azharuddin vs Zimbabwe (1998)
2. 260 runs – Mohammad Rizwan & Salman Aga vs South Africa (2025) [Current Record]
3. 256 runs – MS Dhoni & Yuvraj Singh vs England (2017)
4. 252 runs – Faf du Plessis & David Miller vs Australia (2018)
5. 237 runs – Ricky Ponting & Andrew Symonds vs Sri Lanka (2006)
South Africa’s Strong Batting Effort
While Pakistan’s pursuit was incredible, South Africa’s batting also provided an interesting spectacle. Skipper Temba Bavuma underpinned the innings with a well-made 82 runs at the top. Debutant Breetzke also played a fine hand, adding 83 runs to the cause. But it was Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 87 runs from a mere 56 balls that caught the eye.
Klaasen’s knock included 11 boundaries and three sixes, giving South Africa much-needed momentum. Wicket-keeper batsman Vereyne chipped in a useful 44 not out from 32 deliveries in the tail end, taking South Africa to a competitive score.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance
Pakistan’s bowlers, headed by Shaheen Afridi, played a major role in maintaining South Africa’s total at a level that the chase was still possible. Afridi picked two important wickets at important stages, creating pressure throughout his bowling spell. Though South Africa’s batsmen batted freely, Pakistan’s bowlers put the required pressure to limit the total to one that could be chased.
A Victory to Remember
Pakistan’s nail-biting victory will be etched in the memories as one of the most classic games in the team’s ODI history. Rizwan and Salman’s performances were legendary, but the win also testified to Pakistan’s determination and ability to deliver on the biggest occasions. With this win, Pakistan not only assured themselves a final spot in the triangular series but also paved the way for a thrilling end to the tournament.
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