Pakistan Edge South Africa in First ODI Despite Klaasen’s Heroics and Agha’s Four-For
Pakistan defeated South Africa by 3 wickets in a thrilling first ODI in Paarl, chasing down the target of 240 in the final over to secure a 1-0 lead in the series. The match featured standout performances from Salman Ali Agha, whose surprise four-wicket haul rattled South Africa, and Saim Ayub, who scored his maiden ODI century to anchor Pakistan’s chase.
South Africa’s Innings: Klaasen Rescues Hosts After Collapse
After winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa made a strong start, racing to 70 without loss in the first ten overs. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton comfortably handled Pakistan’s new-ball pair of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, scoring at over seven runs an over in the powerplay.
However, the introduction of part-time offspinner Salman Ali Agha turned the tide dramatically. Agha’s inspired spell dismantled South Africa’s top and middle order in quick succession:
- He trapped Tony de Zorzi (33) LBW with a delivery that skidded on.
- Ryan Rickelton (36) chopped one onto his stumps in Agha’s next over.
- Both Rassie van der Dussen (8) and Tristan Stubbs (1) misread deliveries that failed to turn, losing their off-stumps in consecutive overs.
South Africa, from a position of strength, found themselves reeling at 88 for 4. With Agha’s figures of 4-32 tearing through their lineup, the hosts were forced into recovery mode.
Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram steadied the innings with a vital 73-run partnership. Markram played cautiously for his 35 before miscuing a long hop from Saim Ayub. At 161 for 5, Klaasen took on the responsibility, mixing aggression with composure to score a vital 86 off 97 balls.
Klaasen’s efforts were crucial as wickets continued to fall around him. Marco Jansen labored for his 10 off 27 balls, adding 50 runs with Klaasen for the sixth wicket. However, a sharp bouncer from Abrar Ahmed dismissed Jansen, breaking the partnership and stalling South Africa’s momentum.
The innings ended on a further low note when Shaheen Afridi produced a stunning delivery to bowl Klaasen, denying him a well-deserved century. South Africa finished at 239 for 9 after 50 overs, with Kagiso Rabada (11) and Ottniel Baartman (8*) adding a late 21-run stand.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined and effective:
- Salman Ali Agha: 4-32 in 8 overs, a surprise match-turning spell.
- Abrar Ahmed: 2-32, maintaining control and taking key wickets.
- Shaheen Afridi and Saim Ayub: 1 wicket each.
Pakistan’s Chase: Ayub and Agha Lead the Way
Chasing 240, Pakistan faced an early setback when Abdullah Shafique departed for 0, bowled by Marco Jansen with the score at just 2 runs.
A cautious Babar Azam partnered with Saim Ayub to add 44 runs for the second wicket. However, Babar’s defensive approach yielded only 23 runs off 38 balls, and he was caught off Ottniel Baartman, leaving Pakistan at 46 for 2.
The pressure intensified as Mohammad Rizwan (1) and Kamran Ghulam (4) fell in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 52 for 4.
From there, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha showcased remarkable composure and responsibility. Ayub, scoring at a steady pace, reached his maiden ODI century with 10 fours and 3 sixes, guiding Pakistan closer to the target. His impressive knock of 109 off 119 balls came to an end at 201, but his effort had put Pakistan in a commanding position.
Salman Ali Agha, continuing his all-round brilliance, remained unbeaten on 82 off 93 balls. Despite late jitters caused by the quick dismissals of Irfan Khan (1) and Shaheen Afridi (0), Salman ensured Pakistan reached the target in the final over, securing the victory with three wickets in hand.
Key Performances
- Salman Ali Agha: 82* runs and 4 wickets (Player of the Match)
- Saim Ayub: 109 runs (119 balls)
- Heinrich Klaasen: 86 runs (97 balls)
- Abrar Ahmed: 2-32
Score Summary
- South Africa: 239/9 (Klaasen 86, Agha 4-32, Abrar 2-32)
- Pakistan: 240/7 (Ayub 109, Agha 82*, Baartman 2-43)
Pakistan now lead the three-match series 1-0. The victory highlighted Pakistan’s resilience, particularly through Agha’s surprise four-wicket haul and Ayub’s brilliant century under pressure. The second ODI promises to be another exciting encounter as both teams look to build on their performances.
