SA vs PAK: In an exciting game during the triangular series, Pakistan created a record-breaking victory over South Africa in the last group game, making history in the bargain. The game was going to be a task of immense proportion for Pakistan since they were chasing a total of 353 runs, the team’s record-high in ODI cricket. But with the inspirational leadership of Captain Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan overcame the odds and secured an unforgettable victory, making it to the final of the tournament.
The Challenge: A High Chase
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South Africa, having won the toss, declared a strong total of 353 runs in their 50-over quota. Through their attacking batting, the South African team accumulated a total of 352 runs. Traditionally, Pakistan had never been able to chase a target of more than 350 runs in One-Day Internationals, and the chances looked extremely low for them to achieve this.
Adding to their woes, Pakistan lost three of their main wickets for only 91 runs, and the match appeared to be getting away from them.
Rizwan and Salman’s Heroic Partnership
Despite the increasing pressure, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan and batsman Salman Aga gave a spectacular show of grit and genius. They partnered in a fourth-wicket partnership that was the record-breaking centerpiece of Pakistan’s stunning comeback.
Rizwan, with his cool temperament and technical ability, played a winning innings of 122 runs in 128 deliveries. His hundred was the nucleus of the run chase. Salman Aga, who was just as brilliant, managed to score 134 runs of 103 deliveries, being aggressive as well as mature at the same time. Both players scored a whopping 260 runs stand that not only helped Pakistan secure victory but also recorded the new Pakistan record of highest fourth-wicket partnership for the ODIs. This alliance became the second-highest in ODI history for the fourth wicket, only following the legendary 275-run partnership between Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja in 1998.
Pakistan’s Victorious Run
With the dynamic pair of Rizwan and Salman going strong, Pakistan has achieved the target with ease, closing with 353/4 in 49 overs, with six wickets in hand. The victory was a reflection of the strength and resolve of the Pakistani batsmen as they overcame a precarious position to emerge victorious.
Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman also chipped in, scoring 41 runs from 28 balls. Pakistan’s strong start saw them reach 91 runs in the first powerplay, setting a good platform. Rizwan and Salman’s partnership kept the chase on track despite the early losses.
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A Look at the Highest Fourth-Wicket Partnerships in ODI History
The Rizwan-Salman alliance turned into the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership in history, and the highest for Pakistan. Below is a list of the top fourth-wicket partnerships in history in the One-Day Internationals:
1. 275 runs – Ajay Jadeja & Mohammad Azharuddin against Zimbabwe (1998)
2. 260 runs – Mohammad Rizwan & Salman Aga against South Africa (2025) [Current Record]
3. 256 runs – MS Dhoni & Yuvraj Singh against England (2017)
4. 252 runs – Faf du Plessis & David Miller against Australia (2018)
5. 237 runs – Ricky Ponting & Andrew Symonds against Sri Lanka (2006)
South Africa’s Strong Batting Display
Though Pakistan’s chase was excellent, South Africa’s batting too was just as good. The Proteas set a difficult total due to some good shows from their top order. Captain Temba Bavuma contributed a crucial knock of 82 runs at the top of the order. Debutant Breetzke also maintained his good form, adding a nicely crafted 83 runs.
The innings of the day, though, belonged to Heinrich Klaasen, who hit a destructive 87 runs off only 56 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batsman Vereyne contributed vital late runs in the latter stages, remaining unbeaten on 44 runs off 32 balls.
Pakistan’s Bowling Performance
In bowling, Pakistan also performed well, and the spearhead was Shaheen Afridi. He took two important wickets, with key breakthroughs at the appropriate times. Though Pakistan’s bowlers could not stop South Africa entirely, Afridi and the others’ pressure forced Pakistan to limit South Africa to a total that was not out of South Africa’s reach for the chase.
A Memorable Win
This win will be remembered as one of the most iconic games in the history of Pakistan’s cricket. Not only did it witness a brilliant performance by Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Aga individually, but it also displayed the team’s strength and capacity to transform the game. With this victory, Pakistan qualified for the final of the triangular series, and it set the stage for a thrilling end to the tournament.
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