In a mixed match at the Iqbal Stadium, Pakistan stretched South Africa Taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series by two wickets in the first ODI. The match had it all – classy batting, clever spin bowling and a tense finish to the end.
South Africa, build a strong platform before Pakistan’s spinners strike
First, South Africa, South Africa, openers Quinton de Kock (63 Off 71) and Lhuan-Dre Pretorius (57 Off 60) put together a solid 91-run partnership. De Kock, with his signature timing, six fours and two sixes, flamboyantly with flair, hit two sixes on top of two sixes.
But once Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub were introduced in the attack, the complexion of the innings changed. Both spinners dealt a blow to both morale, slowing down the squad and work rate.
Abrar Ahmed (3/53) and Saim Ayub (2/39) were near charters with flight and spin. Naseem Shah (3/40) provides, effectively curling the tail South Africa were bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs.
Corbin Bosch’s 41 off 41 put up a late fightback but ensured Pakistan were not pushed beyond South Africa’s total, which provided disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Salman Agha anchors Pakistan’s pursuit
Pakistan’s reply started confidently with Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) and Saim Ayub (39 off 42). Both openers looked to punish a loose one from the South African pacer, with a fine touch.
But wakets in the middle threatened to spoil the chase. Babar Azam fell early for just seven runs. With Pakistan at 105/3, the game hung in the balance.
It was Salman Agha (71 off 71) who turned the tide. Impressive, Mohammad Rizwan (55 off 74) and Hussaini Talat (22 OFF 25), punishing the poor delivery by spinning the strike. Salman’s mix of patience and aggression won him the match award.
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Pakistan opener against South Africa catches Odi’s nerves#Pakvsa 📝: https://t.co/k0hdgs4cko pic.twitter.com/iqv1y4ndox
– ICC (@icc) November 4, 2025
South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi (2/46), Donovan Ferreira (2/53) and Bosch (2/32) and Bosch (2/32) and Bosch (2/32) and Bosch (2/32) are close enough for Pakistan in the lower order.
The second Odi will once again be played at the Iqbal Stadium on Thursday, November 6. South Africa, on the other hand, will bounce back and level their series while Pakistan aim to get the series going early.
