In a thrilling encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium on February 12, 2025, Pakistan achieved their highest-ever successful run chase in One Day International (ODI) cricket, surpassing their previous best of 349 against Australia in 2022. Facing a daunting target of 353 set by South Africa, Pakistan reached 353 for 6, clinching victory with just a few balls to spare.
South Africa’s innings was bolstered by significant contributions from their top order. Captain Temba Bavuma scored 82 runs, Matthew Breetzke added 83, and Heinrich Klaasen delivered a rapid 87 off 56 balls, propelling the team to a formidable total of 352 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs.
In response, Pakistan’s chase was anchored by stellar centuries from Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan. Salman, entering the fray at a precarious 91 for 3, showcased composure and maturity, recording his maiden ODI century. Rizwan complemented him with an aggressive yet calculated innings, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable. Their partnership of 260 runs, the third-highest in Pakistan’s ODI history, was instrumental in securing the record-breaking win.
This victory not only highlights Pakistan’s batting depth and resilience but also serves as a significant morale booster as they advance to the final of the tri-series against New Zealand. With the ICC Champions Trophy on the horizon, such performances are crucial for Pakistan as they aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2017.
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Detailed Scoreboard:
South Africa Innings:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma | 82 | 95 | 9 | 1 |
| Tony de Zorzi | 15 | 23 | 2 | 0 |
| Matthew Breetzke | 83 | 84 | 10 | 1 |
| Heinrich Klaasen | 87 | 56 | 7 | 3 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Verreynne (not out) | 44 | 33 | 4 | 1 |
| Extras | 39 | |||
| Total | 352 | 50 overs |
Fall of wickets: 1-64 (de Zorzi, 9.6 ov), 2-194 (Bavuma, 32.1 ov), 3-238 (Breetzke, 38.1 ov), 4-241 (Mulder, 39.3 ov), 5-328 (Klaasen, 46.5 ov).
Pakistan Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 10 | 0 | 66 | 2 |
| Naseem Shah | 10 | 0 | 74 | 0 |
| Mohammad Hasnain | 8 | 0 | 72 | 0 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 10 | 0 | 65 | 0 |
| Khushdil Shah | 7 | 0 | 38 | 1 |
| Salman Ali Agha | 5 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
Pakistan Innings:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 45 | 52 | 6 | 1 |
| Babar Azam | 12 | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 122* | 128 | 10 | 2 |
| Saud Shakeel | 8 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Salman Ali Agha | 134 | 103 | 14 | 3 |
| Khushdil Shah | 10 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Faheem Ashraf (not out) | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Extras | 17 | |||
| Total | 353 | 49.4 overs |
Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Babar Azam, 5.2 ov), 2-78 (Fakhar Zaman, 12.4 ov), 3-91 (Saud Shakeel, 15.1 ov), 4-351 (Salman Ali Agha, 49.1 ov), 5-352 (Khushdil Shah, 49.3 ov), 6-353 (Mohammad Rizwan, 49.4 ov).
South Africa Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 10 | 0 | 68 | 1 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 10 | 0 | 74 | 1 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10 | 0 | 65 | 1 |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | 10 | 0 | 72 | 1 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 9.4 | 0 | 74 | 2 |
This match will be remembered as a classic example of Pakistan’s batting depth and their ability to chase down imposing totals under pressure.
