Pakistan started the ODI series against South Africa With a thrilling 3-wicket win in the opening game at Boland Park in Paarl. The contest went down to the wire where the visitors were able to hold their nerve and manage to secure a nail-biting victory.
Agha Salman is sizzling with the ball
South Africa started steadily as the openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton contributed 33 and 36 runs respectively. But Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Mr. Salman and Abrar Ahmedkept the middle order under control. Heinrich Klaasen He anchored the innings with a brilliant 86 off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, and gave the hosts a fighting total. Ahmed’s neat spell of 2/32 and Salman’s remarkable 4/32 were instrumental in restricting South Africa to 239.
Saim Ayub struck a brilliant ton to take Pakistan over the finish line
In response, Pakistan started poorly, losing Abdullah Shafiq For a duck on the opening. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizvan fell cheaply, Pakistan struggling at 4/3. Saim Ayub He steadied the innings with a masterclass 109 off 119 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes. His partnership with Salman, who made a fine 82 off 90 overs, proved the backbone of the chase.
Despite late shutouts, Saim’s heroics and Salman’s set-up innings saw Pakistan cross the line with three balls to spare. Ottniel Baartman and Kagiso Rabada They were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets each.
Salman not only impressed with the ball but also hit the match-deciding shot with the bat. His all-round brilliance earned him the Man of the Match award, highlighting his critical role in Pakistan’s victory.
Also WATCH: SA vs PAK – Shaheen Afridi smashes Heinrich Klaasen’s middle stump with an absolute snort in the 1st ODI.
Here’s Twitter’s reaction:
Outstanding from Saim Ayub. 2nd ODI century scored with his team under pressure at 60/4. Beautiful controlled shots.
– Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
The kind of shot that confirms Saim Ayub is one for the future. Really brilliant. 💯
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha spins a brilliant 4 wicket net to thrash South Africa🔥
I don’t know why Rizwan didn’t let him complete his spell. Anyway, brilliant bowling with perfect line and length.#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/je91N4xcB0– PCT Army. (@thepctarmy0) December 17, 2024
What a win, masterclass innings by Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub pic.twitter.com/yisAn3homW
— khan (@Khanstitution1) December 17, 2024
He took his time building partnerships when Pakistan fell apart, batted with maturity and attacked when needed.
A tattoo that will be remembered for years to come for Saim Ayub. pic.twitter.com/57H5YpmvmK
— Ajmal Raza (@MrAJMALSays) December 17, 2024
Nasim Shah to Salman Ali, “5 runs tu kia marega single double card ja” pic.twitter.com/or374yqUTC
— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 17, 2024
Credit goes
Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha ❤ congratulations Pakistan#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vwDyY57iVs— Fatima Habib (@faty_345) December 17, 2024
Mass Six reached fifty from Agha Salman!#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2BnESlCVsO
— CricVid 📹! (@mysay07) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub Deserves All the Fire and Respect Around Him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y29xo6XtVS
— Challenger X (@MahdAdrees56) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha gets 4-Fer 🔥
Amazing magic 🔥#PakistanCricket | #PAKvSA | #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/SzhwgYUVQX— Babar Zone (@BabarZone) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub did 💯 in his own style #PAKvsSA #YuniverseAwards2024 #MissFrance2025 #LingOrm #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b9L5T1U0M6
— Mudassar Bhatti (@Bhattisb78) December 17, 2024