Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan reached mark in final over, losing eight wickets in process
FAISALABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Nov 4th, 2025) Pakistan clinched a thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening match of the ODI series at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan reached the mark in the final over, losing eight wickets in the process. Skipper Agha Salman led the chase with a crucial 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan scored 55, Fakhar Zaman 45, Saim Ayub 39, and Hussain Talat 22. Mohammad Nawaz added 9, Babar Azam 7, and Hasan Nawaz 1. Shaheen Shah Afridi (4*) and Naseem Shah (0*) remained unbeaten at the crease to steer Pakistan home.
For South Africa, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Donavon Ferreira took two wickets each, while Jorne Fortuin and George Linde claimed one apiece.
Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs after opting to bat first. Returning from retirement, Quinton de Kock top-scored with 63 runs, followed by Wiaan Mulder Pretorius with 57, captain Matthew Breetzke with 42, and Corbin Bosch with 41. Sinethemba Qeshile contributed 22, Tony de Zorzi 18, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to make an impact.
For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed bagged three wickets each, Saim Ayub claimed two, and Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Shah Afridi took one wicket apiece.
With this win, Pakistan lead the ODI series 1–0.
