Rizwan and Salman's Record Partnership Leads Pakistan to Historic Win Over South Africa
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- February 13, 2025
- 10:58 am
- 238
- Sports
Rizwan and Salman’s record partnership helped Pakistan defeat South Africa in a thrilling chase. They put together a massive 260-run stand, leading Pakistan to a six-wicket win. This victory secured Pakistan’s place in the tri-series final. The team chased down a tough target of 353 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. Their partnership is now Pakistan’s highest-ever fourth-wicket stand in ODIs.
Pakistan’s Strong Chase
Pakistan started the chase aggressively. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam added 57 runs in the first six overs. Zaman smashed 41 off 28 balls, while Babar scored 23 off 19. However, South Africa fought back. Both batters got out quickly. Saud Shakeel followed soon after, and Pakistan was struggling at 91/3.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha then took charge. They built their innings carefully. Salman, who scored his maiden ODI century, played attacking shots. He hit 16 fours and two sixes. Rizwan remained calm and steady. He stayed unbeaten on 122*, making sure Pakistan kept up with the required rate.
Their partnership kept Pakistan in the game. By the time Salman got out in the 49th over, Pakistan was almost at the target. Rizwan completed the chase with six balls to spare.
South Africa’s Big Total
Earlier, South Africa set a huge target of 352/5 after choosing to bat first. Captain Temba Bavuma played a key role, scoring 82 off 96 balls. He built a 119-run stand with Matthew Breetzke, who scored 83 off 84 deliveries.
The real momentum came when Heinrich Klaasen took charge. He smashed 87 off just 56 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Kyle Verreynne added 44* off 32 balls, helping South Africa reach 350+.
Pakistan’s bowlers struggled. Shaheen Shah Afridi took 2/66 in 10 overs. Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah picked up one wicket each.
A Record-Breaking Stand
Rizwan and Salman’s record partnership made history. Their 260-run stand is now Pakistan’s third-highest in ODIs. It also broke the 206-run fourth-wicket partnership record set by Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik in 2009.
Pakistan also set a new record for their highest-ever successful run chase. Their previous best was 349 against Australia in 2022.
This win was even more special because Pakistan had lost to New Zealand by 78 runs in their last match. With this comeback, they now have momentum heading into the tri-series final against New Zealand.
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