Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan smashed centuries as Pakistan achieved their highest successful ODI chase, beating South Africa by six wickets.
South Africa, missing key players, batted first on a flat pitch. They capitalized on a fast outfield, scoring 352 for five.
Captain Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87) contributed crucial runs, setting a challenging target for Pakistan.
Pakistan struggled at 91-3 but fought back. Agha (134) and Rizwan (122*) built a stunning 260-run fourth-wicket partnership, shifting momentum.
They secured victory with six balls remaining. This chase surpasses host’s previous record of 349 against Australia in 2022.
With the Champions Trophy approaching, this win boosts their confidence. The hosts will face New Zealand in the Tri-Nations final on Friday.
Pakistan’s Recent Performance
Pakistan has shown impressive form in recent ODIs, displaying strong batting depth and resilience under pressure. They secured a dominant 3-0 series win against Afghanistan, with key performances from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. In the Asia Cup, they started strong but struggled against India and Sri Lanka, missing out on the final.
Their World Cup campaign saw inconsistent performances, including wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but crucial losses to India, South Africa, and England. However, their recent record-breaking chase against South Africa highlights their ability to adapt and perform under pressure, boosting confidence before the Champions Trophy.
