Cricket Highlights, Feb 12: Pakistan Tri-Nation Series (3rd ODI) – SA vs PAK

SA vs PAK (3rd ODI) – Highlights

In a high-scoring encounter at the National Stadium, Karachi, PAK pulled off a thrilling run chase against SA in the third match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series or SA vs PAK of Cricket Highlights. Chasing a daunting target of 353, Pakistan secured victory with six wickets in hand and an over to spare, thanks to a stunning century from Agha Salman and a composed innings from Mohammad Rizwan. The match was a spectacle of aggressive stroke play, calculated partnerships, and moments of brilliance in the field.

After being put in to bat first, SA got off to a solid start, with Captain Temba Bavuma anchoring the innings. He played a patient yet effective knock of 82 off 96 balls, crafting a well-paced partnership with Matthew Breetzke. Bavuma’s ability to rotate the strike allowed his teammates to play their shots freely, setting a solid foundation for the middle order.

Matthew Breetzke, playing with controlled aggression, complemented his captain beautifully with a fluent 83 off 84 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six. However, the real carnage came from Heinrich Klaasen, who played an electrifying innings. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed 87 runs off just 56 balls, lacing his knock with 11 boundaries and three sixes. His fearless hitting propelled South Africa towards a commanding total. Kyle Verreynne’s late surge of 44 off 32 balls, along with a quick cameo from Corbin Bosch, ensured the visitors crossed the 350-run mark, finishing at 352 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs.

PAK bowling attack had a tough day, with the pacers struggling to contain the onslaught. Shaheen Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah managed to claim one wicket each. Agha Salman, despite not taking a wicket, was instrumental in the field, grabbing two crucial catches to dismiss key batters.

Needing a mammoth 353 to win, Pakistan’s innings got off to an aggressive start, with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam setting the tone. Fakhar’s brisk 41 off 28 balls included six fours and a towering six, but his dismissal was soon followed by that of Babar Azam, who fell for 23. Saud Shakeel’s brief stay at the crease ended when he was caught behind for 15, leaving Pakistan in a tricky position at 91 for 3 in the 11th over.

However, the chase took a decisive turn when Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman came together. The duo put on a magnificent 260-run stand, steering Pakistan towards an improbable victory. Rizwan played a steady hand, pacing his innings beautifully to finish unbeaten on 122 off 128 balls. His knock was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he struck nine fours and three sixes, anchoring the chase with precision.

At the other end, Agha Salman was in a league of his own. The right-hander played a blistering knock of 134 from just 103 balls, dispatching the South African bowlers to all corners of the ground. His innings featured 16 fours and two sixes, keeping the required run rate in check. The equation came down to just two runs needed off the final over when Salman was dismissed, but Tayyab Tahir sealed the deal with a boundary on the very next ball, ensuring a famous Pakistani victory.

South Africa vs Pakistan Scoreboard 

South Africa – 352/5 (50)

Pakistan – 355/4 (49/50)

Result – Pakistan won by 6 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

Player of the match – Salman Agha

SA vs PAK Playing XIs 

South Africa

Temba Bavuma(C), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Heinrich Klaasen(WK), Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(C) (WK), Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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