Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, turned into a heart-stopping encounter as Pakistan edged past South Africa by two wickets in the final over. The match had everything a cricket fan could ask for—momentum shifts, resilient partnerships, top-class bowling spells, and a thrilling finish that kept fans glued to their screens till the last ball.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI: A Clash of Determination and Strategy
The 1st ODI of the series between Pakistan and South Africa set the tone for an exciting contest. Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first, banking on early movement under the lights. South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, the Opener, gave a good start with a 98-run stand.
After getting a good start, the middle couldn't manage to put a big score on the board, all out on 263 runs in 49.1 overs. Skipper Matthew Breetzke and Corbin Bosch put some score on the board. In reply, Pakistan’s chase wasn’t smooth sailing either, but some gritty batting ensured they reached the target with just two balls to spare.
South Africa’s Innings: Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock Lead the Resistance
Batting first, South Africa were given a good start by both openers, Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Quinton de Kock. Without losing a wicket on powerplay in the 16th over, they lost their first wicket.
Quinton de Kock's composed 63 off 71 balls anchored the innings, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s aggressive 57 from 60 deliveries added momentum. However, just when South Africa looked set for a big total, Pakistan’s spinners turned the tide. Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed bowled with precision, claiming crucial wickets in the middle overs.
The lower order tried to add quick runs, but Naseem Shah’s fiery spell restricted South Africa to 263, a score that looked slightly below par given the dew factor expected in the second innings.
Pakistan’s Chase: A Roller-Coaster Ride to Victory
Pakistan’s chase began with aggression as Saim Ayub smashed a quick 39 off 42 balls, setting a strong foundation. However, South Africa’s bowlers struck back, removing Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam in quick succession. The crowd fell silent as Pakistan slipped to 105 for 3, staring at a potential collapse.
It was then that Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha came to the rescue. Their 91-run stand rebuilt Pakistan’s innings and kept the scoreboard ticking with sensible stroke play. Salman Ali Agha's 62 off 71 balls showcased maturity under pressure, while Mohammad Rizwan’s 55 off 74 balls injected much-needed energy into the chase.
However, a late burst from South Africa’s pacers, especially Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch, brought the game back to life. Pakistan needed 23 runs off the last four overs with only five wickets remaining. In the end, 49.4th seal was a memorable win.
Also read: South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd T20I Results: Pakistan Clinch Series 2-1 with Thrilling 4-Wicket Win
Key Performers of the Match
- Quinton de Kock (South Africa): 63 runs off 71 balls
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa): 57 runs off 60 balls
- Matthew Breetzke (South Africa): 42 runs off 54 balls
- Corbin Bosch (South Africa): 2/32
- Lungi Ngidi (South Africa): 2/46
- Donovan Ferreira (South Africa): 2/53
- Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan): 62 runs off 71 balls
- Mohammad Rizwan (South Africa): 55 runs off 74 balls
- Fakhar Zaman (South Africa): 45 runs off 57 balls
- Naseem Shah (Pakistan): 3/40
- Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan): 3/53
- Saim Ayub (Pakistan): 2/39
Turning Points That Defined the Match
The Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI witnessed several key moments that shaped the outcome. South Africa’s early dominance was neutralized by Pakistan’s middle-order recovery, but it was the calmness of Pakistan’s middle-order that turned the match in their favor.
1. Lhuan-dre Pretorius-Quinton de Kock Partnership: South Africa’s good opening stand its help having good fighting score on the board.
2. Abrar Ahmedr’s Spin Control: His variations in the middle overs broke crucial partnerships and kept South Africa from accelerating.
3. Fakhar Zaman-Saim Ayub Stand: This partnership was the backbone of Pakistan’s chase, ensuring they stayed in the hunt despite losing top-order wickets.
4. Salman Ali Agha Calm Innings: His calm presence under pressure help team to reach the target.
Post-Match Reactions
Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Afridi praised the team’s fighting spirit, saying, We kept our composure even when the pressure was on. The partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha was crucial.
South Africa’s skipper Matthew Breetzke acknowledged the missed opportunities, commenting, “We had our moments, but our execution in the final overs let us down. We’ll look to bounce back stronger in the next match.”
What Lies Ahead in the Series
With Pakistan leading 1-0, the second ODI promises another exciting contest. Both teams will analyze their performances closely—Pakistan will look to seal the series early, while South Africa will aim to level it and keep the competition alive.
Upcoming Fixture
2nd ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa — Scheduled for November 6, 2025, at the Same Venue.
Conclusion: A Perfect Start to the ODI Series
The Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI at Iqbal Stadium delivered everything cricket fans dream of—grit, passion, and a thrilling finish. Pakistan’s narrow 2-wicket win has set the stage for an electrifying series where both teams will continue to push boundaries in pursuit of ODI supremacy.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available match details and live coverage reports. Player statistics and match summaries are accurate as of the date of publication.
Source
Author: Prashant Sanjeeva Sherigara