Paarl: Saim Ayub shines with a century while Salman Agha’s all-round heroics secure a hard-fought win for Pakistan. In an edge-of-the-seat encounter, Pakistan edged past South Africa by 3 wickets in the first ODI at Boland Park, Paarl, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Saim Ayub’s magnificent century and Agha Salman’s all-round brilliance were the key factors in this nail-biting victory.
South Africa Set a Modest Target
Earlier in the day, South Africa, after winning the toss and opting to bat, posted a total of 239/9 in their 50 overs. Heinrich Klaasen top-scored with a gritty 86, while captain Aiden Markram chipped in with 35. Pakistan’s Agha Salman was the standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets for just 32 runs, putting the brakes on South Africa’s innings.
Abrar Ahmed also played a key role in the bowling department, bagging two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah chipped in with a wicket each.
Pakistan’s Shaky Start
Chasing 240, Pakistan’s innings began on a shaky note as Marco Jansen delivered a lethal blow, dismissing Abdullah Shafique for a duck. Pakistan’s troubles deepened when captain Mohammad Rizwan fell to Ottneil Baartman for 7, leaving the visitors reeling at 60/3.
A mix-up between Kamran Ghulam and Saim Ayub further compounded Pakistan’s woes, with Ghulam run out after a misunderstanding. The team was left struggling at 60/4, staring at a challenging 180-run target with their middle order exposed.
Saim Ayub’s Century Lights Up the Chase
Despite the early setbacks, Saim Ayub rose to the occasion, showcasing his class and temperament. Partnering with Agha Salman, Ayub steered Pakistan back into the game with a crucial 141-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Ayub’s innings of 109 off 112 balls was a masterclass in stroke play, featuring 10 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. His ability to anchor the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking proved pivotal in Pakistan’s comeback.
However, his dismissal to Kagiso Rabada, with 39 runs still required, left the game hanging in the balance. Rabada struck again, removing Irfan Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 209/7.
Salman Agha Seals the Victory
With Pakistan needing 31 runs from the last 52 balls and only three wickets in hand, Salman Agha took control. Displaying nerves of steel, he played a composed knock of 82 not out off 78 balls, laced with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Salman’s ability to rotate the strike and capitalize on loose deliveries kept Pakistan in the hunt. In the final over, he smashed a boundary to seal the victory with three balls to spare, capping off a sensational all-round performance.
Salman Agha: Man of the Match
Salman’s efforts with both bat and ball earned him the Man of the Match award. His four-wicket haul in the first innings and unbeaten 82 in a pressure situation highlighted his match-winning capabilities.
What’s Next?
The second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa will take place at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, on December 17, 2024, followed by the final match at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on December 19.
