Pakistan Edge South Africa in Tense ODI Finish in Faisalabad
Pakistan secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first one-day international at Faisalabad on Tuesday. The win came after a tense final over at Iqbal Stadium, with Pakistan chasing a target of 264 runs.
The home side looked set for an easy win at 241-4, but South Africa rallied by taking four wickets for just 22 runs, tightening the contest. Entering the last over needing four runs with three wickets in hand, Pakistan lost Mohammad Nawaz on the third ball with the scores tied. However, tail-ender Naseem Shah sealed the match with a sharp single off the next delivery.
This victory gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next two ODIs scheduled for Thursday and Saturday, also in Faisalabad. This marked Faisalabad’s return to hosting international cricket after 17 years.
“That always happens in cricket but we'll try to make it not happen again,” said Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. “It was a special occasion of cricket returning to Faisalabad so we are happy that we won.”
South Africa was bowled out for 263 in 49.1 overs despite half-centuries from openers Quinton de Kock and the teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
“I think we were 20-30 runs short,” said Matthew Breetzke, leading the team for the first time. “We lost wickets in clusters but still there are a lot of positives.”
Match Summary
- Target for Pakistan: 264 runs
- Pakistan final score: 264-8
- Winning margin: 2 wickets
- Key players: Quinton de Kock, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Naseem Shah
Author's summary: Pakistan won a gripping ODI in Faisalabad, overcoming a late South African surge to take a 1-0 series lead in a historic return of international cricket to the city.