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Pakistan kicked off their ODI series against South Africa with a thrilling 3-wicket victory in the opening game at Boland Park in Paarl. The contest went down to the wire where the visitors helꦐd their nerve and managed to claim a nail-biting win.
Agha Salman sizzles with the ball
South Africa got off to a steady start as openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton contributed 33 and 36 runs, respectively. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmed, kept the middle order under control. Heinrich Klaasen ancho๊red the innings with a superb 86 off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, giving the hosts a fighting total. Ahmed’s tidy spell of 2/32 and Salman’s remarkable 4/32 were instrumental in restricting South Africa to 239.
Saim Ayub hits a brilliant ton to take Pakistan over the finish line
In response, Pakistan had a shaky start, losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the opening over. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan fell cheaply, leaving Pakistan struggling at 4/3. Saim Ayub steadied the innings with a masterclass 109 off 119 deliveries, striking 10 fours and 3 sixes. His ꦑpartnership with Salman, who scored a well-crafted 82 off 90 balls, proved to be the backbone of the chase.
Despite a late flurry of wickets, Saim’s heroics and Salman’s composed innings ensured Pakistan crossed the line with three balls to spare. Ottniel Baartman and Kagiso Rabada were the pick of the bowlers for South Africꦺa, claiming two wicket🐓s each.
Salman not only impressed with the ball but also delivered a match🔯-defining knock with the bat. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match aw⛎ard, highlighting his critical role in Pakistan’s victory.
Also WATCH: SA vs PAK – Shaheen Afridi knocks over Heinrich Klaasen’s middle stump with an absolute snorter in the 1st ODI
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Outstanding from Saim Ayub. 2nd ODI century scored with his team under pressure at 60/4. Lovely cont🍸rolled 🍌innings.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi)
A type of innings by Saim Ayub that affirms he is one for the fut𝓰ure. Truly brilliant. 💯
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad)
Salman Ali Agha spins a web with a brilliant 4-wicket haul to crush South Africa🔥
I don't know why Rizwan didn't let him complete his spell. Anyways, brilliant bowling with perfect line and length.— The PCT Army.🇵🇰 (@thepctarmy0)
//twitter.com/Khanstitution1/status/18691072🌠40105574475
He took hi𒀰s time to build a partnership when Pakistan collapsed, batting with maturity and 🌟attacking when it was needed.
A knock to remember for years for Saim Ayub.
— Ajmal Raza (@MrAJMALSays)
//twitter.com/dhillow_/status/1869105250558464276
Credit goes to
⛦Saim ayub and salman Ali ag﷽ha ❤congratulations Pakistan— Fatima habib (@faty_345)
//twitter.com/mysay07/status/1869093158027677721
//twitter.com/MahdAdrees56/status/18691201960003137𝓀01
Salman Ali Agha gets a 4-Fer 🔥
Brilliant spell 🔥 | |— Relateable Quotes. (@BrokenAt2AM)
Saim ayub done 💯 in his style
— Mudassar Bhatti (@Bhattisb78)
