Pakistan Storm Into Tri-Nation Final with Record-Breaking Chase Against South Africa

Pakistan produced a stunning run chase to defeat South Africa by six wickets, securing their place in the tri-nation series final in Karachi. Led by centuries from captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, Pakistan successfully chased down a massive target of 353, achieving their highest-ever successful run chase in ODIs. With this victory, they will now face New Zealand in the final on Friday, as confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Chasing a daunting target of 353, Pakistan found themselves in a difficult situation at 91/3, having lost Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Saud Shakeel in quick succession. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha orchestrated a remarkable turnaround with a 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the highest-ever for Pakistan in ODIs at that position.

Rizwan anchored the innings, finishing with an unbeaten *122, while Agha played a more aggressive role, scoring 134 runs in a brilliant knock. This partnership helped Pakistan achieve their highest-ever run chase in ODIs, surpassing their previous best of 349 against Australia in Lahore in 2022.

South Africa finally broke the stand in the penultimate over, with Lungi Ngidi dismissing Agha for 134, but the damage had already been done, and Pakistan comfortably secured victory.

Earlier in the match, South Africa opted to bat first and posted a massive 352/5 in 50 overs, thanks to dominant performances from their top and middle order. Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87) led the charge, while Kyle Verreynne contributed a valuable 44 runs towards the end.

The Proteas batters accelerated in the final ten overs, smashing 110 runs, as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the power-hitting.

Pakistan began the chase with an aggressive 57-run opening stand between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman in just 6.1 overs. However, the momentum briefly shifted when Azam, Zaman, and Shakeel fell in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 91/3.

This set the stage for Rizwan and Agha’s historic partnership, which took the game away from South Africa and sealed a comfortable win with six wickets to spare.

With this emphatic victory, Pakistan has booked a spot in the tri-nation series final against New Zealand, which will take place in Karachi on Friday. This match will be a key test for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.