Saim Ayub and Salman Agha Shine as Pakistan Clinch Tense Win Over South Africa
Pakistan 242/7 (Ayub 109, Agha 82, Baartman 2-37) beat South Africa 239/9 (Klaasen 86, Agha 4-32, Abrar 2-32) by 3 wickets*
PAARL: Saim Ayub’s brilliant 109 and Salman Ali Agha’s all-round heroics, including 82 and 4 wickets*, steered Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI. The win, sealed with just three balls to spare, showcased immense composure from the young pair as they carried Pakistan from an early collapse to a memorable triumph.
A Rocky Start for Pakistan
Chasing a modest 240, Pakistan’s innings stumbled out of the blocks.
- Abdullah Shafique was cleaned up early by a superb delivery from Marco Jansen.
- Babar Azam, struggling for fluency, fell for a sluggish 23 after miscuing Ottniel Baartman straight to cover.
- Captain Mohammad Rizwan departed cheaply, and a miscommunication saw Kamran Ghulam run out unnecessarily.
At 60 for 4 in the 20th over, Pakistan looked on the brink of defeat. Enter Saim Ayub and Salman Agha, the last realistic hope for Pakistan’s recovery.
Ayub and Agha Lead the Fightback
The partnership between Ayub and Agha began cautiously. Ayub, uncharacteristically slow at the start, scrapped his way to 31 off 57 balls before finding his rhythm. Agha, meanwhile, played the perfect supporting role, rotating the strike and building momentum.
Gradually, the pair wrestled control back from South Africa. Ayub unleashed his natural flair with elegant strokeplay, punishing Baartman and Rabada with two sixes and two boundaries in quick succession, bringing the asking rate back below a run per ball.
Ayub brought up a magnificent second ODI century with a majestic six over midwicket off Rabada. His knock of 109 off 119 balls was a mixture of grit and class, but the pressure of the chase eventually saw him holing out to fine leg. South Africa sensed an opening as Rabada struck again to dismiss Irfan Khan, and Tabraiz Shamsi followed up by removing Shaheen Afridi.
With the tail exposed, it was left to Agha and Naseem Shah to finish the job. Agha, calm under pressure, picked his moments, slapping Shamsi for a crucial six before methodically chipping away at the target. With just three balls remaining, he sealed the victory with a powerful drive back past Jansen, finishing unbeaten on 82 off 93 balls.
Agha’s Heroics with the Ball
Earlier in the day, Agha’s part-time offspin played a decisive role in restricting South Africa to 239/9. The hosts had made a flying start at 70 for 0 inside 10 overs, but Agha’s introduction into the attack turned the game on its head.
- He dismissed Tony de Zorzi (33) LBW with a skidding delivery.
- Ryan Rickleton (36) chopped on soon after.
- Agha then produced two brilliant deliveries to knock over Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs, reducing South Africa to 88 for 4.
Despite Heinrich Klaasen’s fighting 86 off 97 balls and his 50-run stand with Jansen, Pakistan’s bowlers maintained control. Shaheen Afridi delivered a searing delivery to bowl Klaasen, ending South Africa’s hopes of a bigger total.
Key Performances
- Saim Ayub: 109 (119 balls)
- Salman Agha: 82* (93 balls) and 4/32
- Heinrich Klaasen: 86 (97 balls)
- Abrar Ahmed: 2/32
Player of the Match Gesture
Salman Agha was named Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance, but in a heartwarming gesture, he handed the award to Ayub in recognition of the youngster’s match-winning century.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s victory in Paarl was a testament to their resilience under pressure, with Saim Ayub and Salman Agha emerging as the undisputed heroes. The team now looks to build on this performance as they prepare for the second ODI of the series.
