Pakistan celebrated a memorable return to international cricket in Faisalabad after 17 years, with Shaheen Shah Afridi marking his debut as One-Day International (ODI) captain in style. The hosts edged out South Africa by two wickets on Tuesday night to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite being well in control for much of the chase, Pakistan made the finish more dramatic than expected. Chasing 264 on a slow Iqbal Stadium surface, they required just 29 runs from the final five overs with six wickets in hand, but a late collapse saw them lose three wickets in quick succession. Nevertheless, Afridi’s side held their nerve to reach the target with two balls to spare.
South Africa’s Innings
South Africa, opting to bat first, began strongly. By the 33rd over, they were well placed at 191 for 3 and eyeing a total well beyond 300. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose five wickets for just 37 runs, folding for 263 in 49.1 overs.
Both openers, Luan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock, laid the foundation. Pretorius struck a fluent 57 off 60 balls, while De Kock scored 63 from 71 deliveries. Making their ODI debuts, Pretorius, along with two other newcomers, impressed early on. South Africa reached 62 without loss in the opening ten overs, with Pretorius contributing 45 runs in that period. He completed his half-century off 47 balls before being dismissed by Saim Ayub, who broke a 98-run opening stand.
De Kock’s fifty came from 50 deliveries, but Naseem Shah bowled him soon after. Tony de George (18) and captain Matthew Britskee (42) could not capitalise on good starts. The lower order faltered badly, with Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Naseem Shah triggering the collapse. Abrar narrowly missed a hat-trick after trapping Lungi Ngidi on the pad, only for the decision to be overturned on review.
A brief 34-run ninth-wicket stand between Ngidi and Corbin Bosch pushed South Africa past 250. Bosch top-scored in the lower order with a fighting 41 off 40 balls.
| South Africa Innings Summary | Runs |
|---|---|
| Luan-dre Pretorius | 57 (60) |
| Quinton de Kock | 63 (71) |
| Matthew Britskee | 42 (54) |
| Corbin Bosch | 41 (40) |
| Total | 263 all out (49.1 overs) |
Pakistan bowling: Naseem Shah 3/40, Abrar Ahmed 3/53, Shaheen Afridi 1/55, Mohammad Nawaz 1/45, Saim Ayub 2/39.
Pakistan’s Chase
In reply, Pakistan made a solid start. Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) added 87 for the first wicket, giving their side early control. However, a double strike from Donovan Ferreira removed both openers in successive overs, followed soon after by Babar Azam (7), trapped lbw by Bjorn Fortuin.
Pakistan were wobbling at 99 for 3, but Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the innings with a crucial 111-run partnership off 111 balls. Rizwan scored a composed 55 off 74, while Salman produced a match-winning knock of 62 from 71 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
A mini-collapse added late tension, but Pakistan held firm. Afridi remained unbeaten as his side crossed the line with two wickets and two balls to spare.
| Pakistan Innings Summary | Runs |
|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 45 (57) |
| Saim Ayub | 39 (42) |
| Babar Azam | 7 (11) |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 55 (74) |
| Salman Ali Agha | 62 (71) |
| Imad Talat | 22 (29) |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 9 (16) |
| Shaheen Afridi | 4* |
| Total | 264/8 (49.4 overs) |
South Africa bowling: Lungi Ngidi 2/46, Corbin Bosch 2/32, Donovan Ferreira 2/53, Bjorn Fortuin 1/38, George Linde 1/49.
Match Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad |
| Result | Pakistan won by 2 wickets |
| Series | Pakistan lead 1–0 (3-match series) |
| Player of the Match | Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan) |
It was a memorable night for Pakistan cricket — not only for the long-awaited return of international cricket to Faisalabad but also for the successful debut of Shaheen Afridi as ODI captain. The second match of the series will take place at the same venue on Thursday, with Pakistan eyeing an unassailable lead.