The Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025 in Faisalabad turned into a tense finish as Pakistan held their nerve to claim a two-wicket victory. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed starred with three wickets each, while Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha guided Pakistan’s chase with crucial half-centuries.
Pakistan Bowlers Shine in Faisalabad
South Africa started well but lost momentum after the powerplay. Naseem Shah struck early to remove Quinton de Kock and put pressure back on the visitors. Abrar Ahmed’s clever variations then broke through the middle order, dismissing Breetzke and Fortuin in quick succession.
Despite a resilient 63 from de Kock and 57 from Pretorius, South Africa collapsed in the final overs. Corbin Bosch’s late cameo lifted them to 263, but the total appeared below par on a flat surface. Pakistan’s disciplined bowling ensured South Africa never crossed the 270 mark in the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025.
Rizwan and Agha Lead the Chase
Pakistan’s openers, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, gave their team a rapid start, adding 87 runs inside 15 overs. The run chase, however, shifted after South Africa’s spinners struck in quick succession. Fortuin removed Babar Azam, and Ferreira sent back both openers, reducing Pakistan to 96 for 3.
Rizwan and Agha steadied the innings with a 91-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their partnership mixed calm shot selection with quick running between the wickets. Rizwan scored a patient 55, while Agha added a fluent 62 to bring Pakistan closer to victory in the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025.
Late Drama Seals the Win
Just as the game seemed safe, Pakistan stumbled again. Hussain Talat and Agha fell in back-to-back overs, and South Africa sensed a comeback. With 12 runs needed off seven balls, Mohammad Nawaz smashed a towering six down the ground to shift momentum back.
A leg bye in the final over finally took Pakistan over the line. The crowd erupted as the hosts secured a 1-0 series lead in the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025.
Pakistan Take Early Advantage
Pakistan’s narrow win provided a perfect start to the series. Their bowling depth, backed by disciplined batting, made the difference. South Africa will now need a strong response in the second ODI to stay alive.
