Salman Ali Agha earns Player of the Match award after anchoring chase

FAISALABAD – November 5, 2025: Pakistan marked the long-awaited return of international cricket to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years with a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Tuesday.

The hosts successfully chased a 264-run target with two balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series and giving Shaheen Shah Afridi a winning start to his ODI captaincy.

Salman and Rizwan lead the charge

Chasing 264, Salman Ali Agha played a composed knock of 62 off 71 balls, striking five fours and a six. He was well supported by Mohammad Rizwan, who made a steady 55 off 74 balls.

Their 91-run fourth-wicket stand anchored Pakistan’s innings after openers Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) and Saim Ayub (39 off 42) provided a solid 87-run start.

Despite a late stumble that saw Pakistan collapse from 241 for five to 263 for eight, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah held their nerve to guide the team home in the final over.

Salman Ali Agha was rightfully named Player of the Match for his pivotal innings under pressure.

South Africa’s innings: Strong start, sudden slide

Earlier, South Africa posted 263 all out in 49.1 overs, powered by half-centuries from openers Quinton de Kock (63) and debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (57).

The pair added 98 for the opening wicket before Pakistan’s bowlers clawed back into the game. Spinner Saim Ayub (2-39) broke the stand by dismissing Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi, while Naseem Shah (3-40) and Abrar Ahmed (3-53) dismantled the middle and lower order.

Skipper Matthew Breetzke scored 42, and Corbin Bosch added a lively 41, but South Africa lost their final six wickets for just 61 runs.

Shaheen’s captaincy debut off to a winning start

In his first ODI as captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-55) led with intensity and tactical sharpness, rotating his bowlers effectively. Pakistan’s combination of pace and spin proved decisive in limiting South Africa below 270.

The victory delighted a packed Iqbal Stadium, where fans witnessed international cricket return for the first time since 2008.

Scores in brief

Pakistan beat South Africa by two wickets
at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

South Africa 263 all out, 49.1 overs
(Quinton de Kock 63, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 57, Matthew Breetzke 42, Corbin Bosch 41; Naseem Shah 3-40, Abrar Ahmed 3-53, Saim Ayub 2-39)Pakistan 264-8, 49.4 overs
(Salman Ali Agha 62, Mohammad Rizwan 55, Fakhar Zaman 45, Saim Ayub 39, Hussain Talat 22; Corbin Bosch 2-32, Lungi Ngidi 2-46, Donovan Ferreira 2-53)