ZA Cricket

Pakistan 355 for 4 (Salman 134, Rizwan 122, Fakhar 41, Mulder 2-79) beat South Africa 352 for 5 (Klaasen 87, Breetzke 83, Bavuma 82, Verreynne 44, Afridi 2-66) by six wickets**

Pakistan scripted history in Karachi by completing their highest-ever successful ODI chase, making light work of South Africa’s 352 for 5. Mohammad Rizwan (122*) and Salman Agha (134) led the charge, their record-breaking 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket ensuring Pakistan booked their place in the tri-series final against New Zealand. In doing so, they handed South Africa their tenth loss in 14 ODIs since the 2023 World Cup.

For South Africa, this loss will sting for several reasons. This was the highest total they had ever failed to defend in ODI history. It was also their sixth successive ODI defeat, raising serious concerns ahead of upcoming bilateral and ICC events. Despite this, there were positives—Temba Bavuma, with his first ODI fifty since before the 2023 World Cup, showed a welcome return to form, while Heinrich Klaasen continued his run of dominant performances with an 87 off 55 balls. Keshav Maharaj, playing his first match since December 2023, emerged with respectable figures of 0 for 54 in a match that saw 707 runs scored in 100 overs.

A Batting Paradise and a Record Chase

The Karachi wicket was tailor-made for batting, and both sides capitalized. South Africa’s innings was anchored by Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Klaasen (87), propelling them to a commanding total of 352 for 5. Pakistan, however, were unfazed.

They started their chase in blistering fashion, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam racing to 56 in just six overs. Wiaan Mulder struck early, trapping Babar lbw for 17, and Saud Shakeel (15) fell soon after. Pakistan’s third-highest powerplay score since 2002 (91 for 2) kept them in contention, but South Africa clawed back when Mulder removed Fakhar (41) in the 11th over, reducing Pakistan to 91 for 3.

That brought Rizwan and Salman together, and they methodically dismantled South Africa’s bowling attack. The pair initially absorbed pressure, managing only one boundary in the next seven overs. But they found fluency through precise placement and expert strike rotation. Salman capitalized on anything full from the spinners, and Rizwan’s ability to keep the scoreboard moving kept the required rate manageable. By the 30th over, Pakistan had reached 163 for 3, needing 190 more.

From there, they accelerated with authority. Rizwan brought up his fifty first, soon followed by Salman off just 51 balls. The duo made full use of South Africa’s wayward lines, finding regular boundaries, and when Pakistan entered the last ten overs needing 82 runs, they knew it was well within reach. Both batters surged into the 90s, and Rizwan brought up his century with a massive six over deep mid-wicket. Salman followed suit soon after, reaching his maiden ODI hundred in just 87 balls. Though Salman fell with Pakistan needing 14 runs, the damage was already done. Pakistan wrapped up the chase with six balls to spare, sealing a statement win.

South Africa’s Batting Power, But Bowling Woes

Before their bowlers faltered, South Africa’s batters had put them in a strong position. Bavuma, showing much-needed form, and Breetzke, who became the highest run-scorer after two ODIs (233), put on 135 for the second wicket. Bavuma’s innings, however, ended in a bizarre run-out after miscommunication with Breetzke.

Klaasen, struggling early on, found his rhythm in the 33rd over, smashing four consecutive boundaries off Mohammad Hasnain. He brought up his fifty off 38 balls and then unleashed his trademark brutality, taking Shaheen Afridi apart with consecutive sixes. His last 37 runs came off just 18 balls, and South Africa plundered 110 runs in the final ten overs. However, crucially, none of their batters reached three figures, a contrast to Pakistan’s two centurions who guided their team home.

South Africa will also be concerned about Klaasen’s injury. The wicketkeeper-batter left the field in the 32nd over after a ball from Corbin Bosch struck his right thumb, forcing him to hand the gloves to Kyle Verreynne. There was no immediate update on his condition.

A Bowling Nightmare

With a batting-friendly pitch and short square boundaries, bowlers from both sides endured a long day. Pakistan’s quicks conceded 206 runs in 28 overs, with Hasnain particularly expensive (8-0-72-0). South Africa’s seamers fared little better, leaking 223 runs in 27 overs.

Maharaj, despite the carnage, kept things relatively tight with 0 for 54 in his ten overs. But South Africa’s inability to break partnerships hurt them. They lacked the control needed to strangle Pakistan’s middle order, and their fielding let them down at crucial junctures, with missed chances and misfields adding to their woes.

What’s Next?

Pakistan will take confidence from their chase, their batting firing at the right time ahead of the tri-series final against New Zealand. South Africa, meanwhile, have major issues to address. Their bowling looks toothless under pressure, and their six-match losing streak will add to concerns about their long-term ODI competitiveness.

With the ODI format playing a crucial role in upcoming ICC events, South Africa must regroup quickly. Bavuma’s return to form is a positive sign, and Klaasen’s explosive ability remains a major asset. But unless their bowling attack finds consistency, they could struggle to close out games, a theme that has haunted them since the World Cup.

For now, the record books will remember this match for Pakistan’s historic chase. For South Africa, it’s another harsh lesson in a year that has provided too many of them.