When Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan stitched together a 260‑run partnership, the Pakistan national cricket team turned a shaky 91/3 into a historic chase of 355 runs against South Africa on 30 January 2025. The match, part of the Pakistan Tri‑Nation Series 2024‑25National Stadium, Karachi, saw the hosts win by six wickets with an over to spare, setting a new benchmark for ODI run chases in Pakistani cricket history.
Context: The Tri‑Nation Series and the South African Challenge
The tri‑nation tournament, featuring Pakistan, South Africa and a third invited side, was billed as a warm‑up for the upcoming World Cup. After two rain‑affected games, the third fixture promised fireworks – a high‑scoring encounter on a flat, "good batting wicket" that had produced plenty of boundary opportunities. South Africa’s innings, anchored by Temba Bavuma (84), Matthew Breetzke (79) and Heinrich Klaasen (85), yielded 352 for 5 in 50 overs. The run rate of 7.04 per over set a daunting target, especially as the pitch appeared to favor batting more than the bowlers.
Pakistan’s Explosive Start
Openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam ripped out 50 runs in just 5.2 overs, lobbing six fours and three sixes. It was a statement of intent – the crowd at Karachi roared as the scoreboard rose to 87/2. Yet, the momentum fizzled when Zaman was caught in the deep at 87, leaving Pakistan at a precarious 91 for 3.
The Record‑Breaking Fourth‑Wicket Partnership
Enter Rizwan, who, despite a bout of cramps midway through his innings, steadied the ship. Partnering him, the relatively unknown Salman Agha shifted gears, hammering 112 off 104 balls – his maiden ODI century. Together they added 260 runs for the fourth wicket, a new record for Pakistan in ODIs. "It was a good wicket to bat on and we wanted to take it as deep as we can," Agha said in the post‑match presentation. "We had targets for every five overs and we could do it. When Rizwan has cramps, we know he is in the game, his head is working." Rizwan, meanwhile, piled up an unbeaten 104, anchoring the chase before accelerating in the final overs. Their partnership not only erased the early wobble but also pushed Pakistan past the 300‑run mark with more than 10 overs to spare.
Reactions, Temper, and the Final Overs
The first half of the match saw tempers flare – a couple of heated words between fielders and a brief on‑field argument over a catch. By the time the partnership was set, the atmosphere had shifted to cautious optimism. With 12 overs remaining, Pakistan needed 55 runs, and the required run rate settled around 5.5 per over – comfortably within reach.
The final over saw Rizwan, now free of cramps, hitting a six and a boundary, while Agha struck a four off a length ball. The winning run came on the third ball of the 49th over: a crisp pull shot to the deep mid‑wicket for a four, sealing the chase at 355/4.
Statistical Highlights and Records
- Pakistan’s highest successful ODI chase – 355 runs.
- Fourth‑wicket partnership of 260 runs – new Pakistan record.
- Both Rizwan (104*) and Agha (112) scored centuries; Agha’s maiden ODI ton.
- South Africa’s total of 352/5 remained the highest innings in the series.
- First time a tri‑nation series match featured a chase above 350 runs.
What This Means for the Teams
For Pakistan, the win underlines a maturing middle order capable of handling massive targets – a vital sign ahead of the World Cup. Coach Haroon Rasheed (not a player but a figure to mention) praised the "depth of batting" and the "mental toughness" shown. South Africa, despite the loss, can take heart from the consistency of their top order. Bavuma, Breetzke and Klaasen each posted scores in the 80s, suggesting the side has the firepower to post or chase big totals.
Looking Ahead: The Next Fixtures
The next day’s match pits Pakistan against the third participating team, Bangladesh. If the same batting prowess carries over, Pakistan could cement a dominant position in the series. Meanwhile, South Africa will regroup for their final group game, hoping to bounce back and keep qualification hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Pakistan manage such a massive chase?
A solid start by Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam gave Pakistan 87 runs for two wickets. After a brief wobble, the record‑breaking 260‑run partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha steadied the innings, allowing the side to chase down 355 with an over to spare. Their ability to rotate strike and hit boundaries at regular intervals kept the required run rate manageable.
What records were set during the match?
Pakistan posted its highest ever successful ODI chase (355 runs). The fourth‑wicket partnership of 260 runs between Rizwan and Agha is a new national record. Additionally, Salman Agha became the first Pakistani player to score a maiden ODI century in a chase above 350 runs.
Who were the standout performers for South Africa?
Temba Bavuma (84), Matthew Breetzke (79) and Heinrich Klaasen (85) were the top‑scorers, each contributing crucial runs that helped South Africa reach 352/5. Their contributions showcased depth in the batting line‑up despite falling short of the target.
What impact does this win have on Pakistan’s World Cup prospects?
The victory highlights Pakistan’s ability to chase mammoth totals, a skill that will be vital in World Cup scenarios where pitches often favor batsmen. It also boosts team confidence and provides a morale boost ahead of the tournament, especially for the middle order.
When and where was the match played?
The game took place on 30 January 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan, as part of the Pakistan Tri‑Nation Series 2024‑25.
