Tri-Nation Series: Pakistan’s historic win against South Africa

In a thrilling Tri-Nation ODI series match, Pakistan achieved a remarkable run chase, successfully chasing down a challenging 353-run target to beat South Africa by six wickets at the National Bank Stadium. Along the way, Pakistan set multiple records.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Vice-Captain Salman Ali Agha made history by becoming the first middle-order Pakistani pair (batting at positions 4 to 7) to score centuries in the same innings. Their standout performances helped Pakistan record their highest-ever successful ODI run chase, surpassing their 349-run chase against Australia in Lahore in 2022.

Rizwan, batting at number four, remained unbeaten with a score of 122, while Salman scored 134 at number five. Together, they built a record-breaking 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket, surpassing Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf’s 206-run stand against India in 2009.

This marked the 27th time two Pakistani batsmen scored centuries in an ODI innings. Had Salman remained not out, it would have been the first instance of two unbeaten hundreds in the same innings for Pakistan.

Pakistan reached the target with four wickets down and six balls to spare, despite a shaky start. Babar Azam continued his struggles as an opener and was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder in the seventh over after scoring 23 off 19 balls.

Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel then briefly added 36 runs for the second wicket before falling in quick succession, leaving Pakistan at 91/3 in 10.4 overs. Fakhar scored 41 off 28 balls, while Saud contributed 15 off 16.

Salman and Rizwan then changed the game’s course with their record partnership. Salman eventually fell to Lungi Ngidi in the penultimate over after scoring 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. Rizwan carried his bat, finishing with 122 off 128 balls, including nine fours and three sixes.

For South Africa, Mulder took two wickets, while Ngidi and Corbin Bosch claimed one each.