Post by : Meena
Hassan
In a tense ODI finish in Karachi, Pakistan reached a target of 264 with just two balls remaining, overcoming South Africa by two wickets. Salman top-scored with a pivotal 62 as Pakistan completed a dramatic run chase under pressure.
Electing to field first, Pakistan watched South Africa’s openers build a 98-run stand. Teenager Lhuandre Pretorius, on his ODI debut, showed maturity with 57 off 60 before he was well taken at point.
Quinton de Kock, making an ODI return after two years, held the innings together with a measured 63. Corbin Bosch accelerated late, hitting a brisk 41 in the closing overs to lift the visitors to 263 before they were dismissed with five balls left.
Pakistan’s reply started strongly as Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) put on 87 for the first wicket. Mohammad Rizwan, recently relieved of the captaincy, added a valuable 55 and teamed with Salman for a 91-run fourth-wicket partnership that proved decisive.
The chase hit a rocky patch when Pakistan lost three wickets in successive overs, briefly swinging momentum. Newly appointed captain Shaheen Shah Afridi then combined with Salman in a calm finish to take Pakistan over the line.
The game also marked the return of international cricket to Iqbal Stadium after 17 years. Supporters can expect the next ODI at the historic ground on Thursday, promising another competitive contest.
English
