New Delhi, 13 February 2025: Pakistan pulled off their highest successful ODI run chase on Wednesday, defeating South Africa by six wickets in Karachi to book a spot in the tri-series final.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha hit centuries in a record-breaking 260-run stand, guiding the hosts past a daunting 353-run target with six balls to spare.
Coming off a 78-run defeat to New Zealand in Lahore, Rizwan’s men bounced back emphatically. Their 260-run partnership set a new record for Pakistan’s highest stand in a run chase, surpassing Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez’s unbeaten 228-run effort against Zimbabwe in 2011.
They also broke the country’s record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership in ODIs, eclipsing Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik’s 206-run stand against India in 2009.
South Africa Posts 350 with Bavuma, Breetzke, Klaasen Contributions
After opting to bat, South Africa put up 350 for three, with skipper Temba Bavuma leading from the front with 82. Matthew Breetzke, fresh off a 150 against New Zealand, contributed 83 off 84 balls, sharing a 119-run partnership with Bavuma.
Heinrich Klaasen added firepower, smashing 87 off 56 balls with 11 fours and three sixes, while Kyle Verreynne chipped in with a quick 44 off 32. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled, with Shaheen Shah Afridi being the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 66 in his 10 overs. Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah took one wicket each.
Rizwan, Salman Anchor Chase After Early Wickets
Pakistan started aggressively, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 41 before falling to Wiaan Mulder. Babar Azam (23) and Saud Shakeel (15) followed, leaving Pakistan under pressure. But once Rizwan and Salman took control, there was no looking back.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 off 128 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes. Salman played an explosive knock of 134 off 103, hitting 16 fours and two sixes.
Their composed yet dominant batting display ensured Pakistan reached the target comfortably.
Pakistan’s previous highest successful chase had been 349 against Australia in Lahore in 2022. This latest feat not only surpassed that but also cemented their dominance heading into the final.
