Saim Ayub , Salman power Pakistan to well earned win over South Africa in 1st ODI

 


Pakistan edged out South Africa in a thrilling first ODI, securing a narrow three-wicket win with just three balls remaining at Boland Park, Paarl.


The visitors owed their victory to a dazzling century from southpaw opener Saim Ayub and  an outstanding all-round performance from Salman Agha, who not only took four crucial wickets but also delivered an unbeaten 82 runs, guiding Pakistan to a memorable win in the opening game of the three-match series.


The match began on a challenging note for Pakistan after South Africa elected to bat in ideal conditions. The hosts raced to 70 runs within 10 overs before Tony de Zorzi (33) was dismissed, followed shortly by Ryan Rickelton (36), both falling to Salman’s clever bowling. Salman continued his stellar performance by removing Rassie van der Dussen (8) and Tristan Stubbs (1), completing his maiden four-wicket haul in ODIs within 14 overs and leaving South Africa struggling at 88-4.


Heinrich Klaasen led the fightback for the Proteas with a resilient 86, helping his side post a defendable target of 240.


Pakistan’s chase, however, began poorly as Abdullah Shafique departed for a duck in the second over. A mini-collapse followed, with Pakistan losing three wickets for just 14 runs, slumping to 60-4.

However a fast maturing  Saim Ayub had other ideas . Unleashing dazzling strokes all around the ground Saim took on the Protea attack as he kept Pakistan in the hunt even after Babar Azam (23) flattered to deceive after starting with some sparkling strokeplay 

Salman once again came to the rescue, this time with the bat. Teaming up with opener Saim Ayub, who finally scored a breathtaking 109, Salman stitched together a crucial 141-run partnership, steering Pakistan back into contention.


Even after Saim fell to Kagiso Rabada, Salman remained unfazed, taking the game deep. In a fitting finish, he sealed the victory with a boundary in the final over.


Salman’s heroics proved decisive, as he posted his highest ODI score of 82 not out, surpassing his previous best of 58. His bowling figures of 4-32 were also a personal milestone, while Abrar Ahmed (3.20) narrowly edged him in terms of economy rate (4.00).


Salman’s all-round brilliance along with Saim century was the backbone of Pakistan’s thrilling win, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.


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