Pakistan made history in Karachi on Wednesday as Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan powered their side to a record-breaking run chase against South Africa in the Tri-Nation Series. Their brilliant centuries guided Pakistan to a six-wicket triumph, achieving their highest-ever successful run chase in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
Facing a formidable target, Pakistan chased down 353 runs, surpassing their previous best chase of 349, which came against Australia in Lahore back in 2022.
South Africa, missing several key players, opted to bat first on a batting-friendly surface paired with a rapid outfield. They posted a challenging 352/5 in their 50 overs, thanks to impressive knocks from captain Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87).
In response, Pakistan stumbled early, finding themselves at 91/3. However, a match-defining partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan turned the game on its head. The pair added a mammoth 260-run stand for the fourth wicket, steering Pakistan toward victory.
Agha’s 134-run innings marked his maiden century in ODI cricket, while Rizwan’s unbeaten 122 provided stability and ensured the chase was completed with six balls remaining.
This morale-boosting win comes at a crucial time for the hosts, as they gear up to welcome teams for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin in just a week. Pakistan’s remarkable performance has not only secured them a spot in the finals of the Tri-Nation Series but also demonstrated their batting depth and resilience under pressure.
