FAISALABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan edged past South Africa by two wickets in a tense finish to claim the opening One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday, marking the return of international cricket to the city after 17 years.
Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan reached the mark with two balls to spare. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha anchored the middle order with crucial half-centuries after an 87-run opening stand set the tone.
Saim Ayub scored 39 off 42 balls, while Fakhar Zaman made 45 from 57 deliveries. Spinner Donovan Ferreira sparked South Africa’s comeback, removing both openers in quick succession.
Pakistan slipped to 102 for 2, and then 105 for 3 when Babar Azam was dismissed for just seven. Rizwan and Agha rebuilt with a 91-run fourth-wicket partnership, steering the hosts back into contention.
Rizwan’s 55 off 74 balls and Agha’s 62 from 71 deliveries gave Pakistan the edge before a late collapse reignited South Africa’s hopes.
With 12 runs required off the final two overs, Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession.
Mohammad Nawaz’s nine-run cameo steadied the chase before he fell in the final over. Naseem Shah held his nerve to take Pakistan over the line with two balls remaining.
Corbin Bosch, Ferreira and Lungi Ngidi took two wickets each for South Africa, while George Linde and Bjorn Fortuin claimed one apiece.
South Africa set 263-run target
Earlier, Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and opted to field first.
South Africa posted 263 all out in 49.1 overs, with openers Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius giving the visitors a strong start.
The pair added 98 for the first wicket before Saim Ayub broke the stand, dismissing Pretorius for 57. De Kock made 63 off 71 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before falling to Naseem Shah.
Tony de Zorzi contributed 18, while captain Matthew Breetzke (42) and debutant Sinethemba Qeshile (22) helped stabilise the innings.
However, a middle-order collapse saw South Africa slump from 191 for 4 to 228 for 8.
Bosch provided resistance with a brisk 41 off 40 balls before being removed by Afridi in the penultimate over.
Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah shared six wickets between them, taking three apiece. Saim Ayub claimed two, while Nawaz and Shaheen picked up one each.
Faisalabad’s international return after 17 years
The match marked a historic return of international cricket to Faisalabad, which last hosted a game in 2008 when Pakistan played Bangladesh.
Following the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, Pakistan endured years of isolation, hosting matches in the United Arab Emirates.
The gradual return of home fixtures began in 2015, but Faisalabad was left off the schedule until now.
“It’s a special occasion that Faisalabad is hosting an international match after 17 years,” Shaheen said ahead of the game. “It will be good for the fans of the city.”
Afridi, leading Pakistan in ODIs for the first time, called the victory a morale boost. “It’s an honour for me to lead the country,” he said. “We showed composure in tough moments.”
The win gives Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the series. South Africa, who drew the Test series 1–1 and lost 2–1 in the T20 internationals earlier on tour, will look to bounce back in the second ODI on Thursday.
