KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman’s sublime centuries powered Pakistan into the tri-nation series final as they beat South Africa by 6 wickets here at National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan chased the daunting total of 353 runs in 49 overs on the loss of four wickets courtesy of brilliant batting from the above-mentioned pair.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122*, while Salman scored 134 off 103 deliveries before getting out. His innings included two massive sixes and 16 elegant fours.
Pakistan was off to a blazing start courtesy of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s brilliant batting, who added 57 runs in the first six overs. Azam departed on 19 balls 23, while Zaman scored a quick-fire 41 off 28 balls.
After a solid start, the home team stumbled a bit, as they were 91-3 at the end of the powerplay.
After Babar Azam’s dismissal, the Proteas returned to the match with two quick wickets. Saud Shakeel (15) and Fakhar Zaman returned to the pavilion courtesy of Wian Mulder’s good bowling.
Following the quick wickets, Rizwan and Agha Salman revived Pakistan’s chase against South Africa. It added a record 260-run partnership for the 4th wicket in ODIs, helping Pakistan to take down the massive total of 353.
Salman departed in the second last over while Mohammad Rizwan ensured his team reached home.
Agha Salman was named the Player of the Match for his brilliant batting. Pakistan will now play against New Zealand in the tri-nation series final here on Friday.
Wiaan Mulder bagged two wickets for South Africa, while Lungi Ngidi also claimed one wicket.
Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen struck dominant half-centuries to power their team to 352-5 in their 50 overs.
After opting to bat first, Bavuma gave his team the desired start, stitching a 51-run opening partnership with Tony de Zorzi (22).
Matthew Breetzke joined Bavuma at the crease after the first wicket and added 119 runs for the second wicket to take the team’s total to 170 before the Proteas captain fell courtesy of a run-out.
South Africa’s captain departed after scoring 82 runs from 96 balls with the help of 13 boundaries.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
Heinrich Klaasen joined Breetzke, and they attacked Pakistan bowlers, scoring 68 runs in 56 balls before Khushdil Shah removed the former.
Wiaan Mulder (2) fell prey to Shaheen before Kyle Verreynne, and Klaasen added a quick 78 runs from 48 balls for the fifth wicket.
Heinrich Klaasen scored 87 runs from 56 balls with the help of 11 boundaries and three sixes before Naseem Shah ended his stay at the crease.
Verreynne (44*) and Corbin Bosch (15) took their team’s total to 352-5 in their 50 overs.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah bagged one each.
Playing XIs South Africa and Pakistan
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.