Post by : Meena Ariff

In a high-pressure ODI in Karachi, Pakistan reached a target of 264 with two deliveries to spare, edging South Africa by two wickets in a tense finish. Salman top-scored with a composed 62 that proved decisive in the closing stages.

Electing to field first, Pakistan saw South Africa get off to a bright start as the openers combined for a 98-run stand. Teenager Lhuandre Pretorius, on his ODI debut, impressed with a measured 57 off 60 before being brilliantly caught at point.

Quinton de Kock, making an ODI return after two years, anchored the innings with 63, while Corbin Bosch provided late fireworks, smashing 41 in the final overs to help South Africa reach 263 before being bowled out with five balls remaining.

Pakistan began their reply positively: Fakhar Zaman scored 45 and Saim Ayub contributed 39 as the pair put on an 87-run opening partnership. Mohammad Rizwan, recently relieved of the captaincy, added a crucial 55 and combined with Salman in a 91-run fourth-wicket stand that steadied the chase.

The chase tightened when Pakistan lost three wickets in quick succession, momentarily placing the pursuit in jeopardy. New captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then steadied the innings alongside Salman to take Pakistan over the line.

The fixture also marked the return of international cricket to Iqbal Stadium after a 17-year absence. Supporters can expect another ODI between the sides at the historic ground on Thursday.

#Global