PAK vs SA: Pakistan register historic win ahead of Champions Trophy 2025, seal spot in tri-series final after beating South Africa in Karachi

Salman Ali Agha and captain Muhammad Rizwan both struck hundreds as Pakistan advanced to the tri-series final with their most successful ODI run-chase ever. In front of a full audience at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 12, the hosts defeated Temba Bavuma's South Africa by six wickets after chasing down an enormous total of 353. Rizwan's team rallied against the Proteas after losing to New Zealand by 78 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore the other day. In addition to scoring three-figure scores, Salman and Rizwan put on an incredible 260-run partnership, surpassing Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez's undefeated 228-run partnership against Zimbabwe in 2011 in Harare. This partnership is Pakistan's highest in a run-chase.

When they chased down 349 in Lahore against Australia in March 2022, it was Pakistan's most successful run-chase to date. Additionally, Rizwan's team surpassed Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik's 206-run partnership against India in 2009 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, breaking the record for the biggest fourth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in ODIs.

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Bavuma, Breetzke, Klaasen steal show

South Africa scored a massive 352 for five after choosing to bat first. With an 82-run effort while opening the batting, captain Bavuma spearheaded the attack. Matthew Breetzke, who scored 150 against the Kiwis, made 83 off 84, but Tony de Zorzi was left out. Additionally, Breetzke and Bavuma put on a 119-run partnership for the second wicket.

Breetzke scored 83 off 84, continuing where he left off in Lahore. Klaasen used his shots to hit three sixes and eleven fours to score 87 off 56. Kyle Verreynne scored 44 off 32 by throwing his bat around. With records of 10-0-66-2, Shaheen Shah Afridi was Pakistan's best bowler. Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah both claimed one wicket.

Rizwan, Salman's legendary stand

Before being removed by Wiaan Mulder, Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a strong start in their run-chase with a knock of 41 runs. Following his impressive 23-run knock, Babar Azam was dismissed by Mulder. There appeared to be some strain on Pakistan when Saud Shakeel left for 15. However, Pakistan did not turn around once Rizwan and Salman took the crease. With nine fours and three sixes in 128 balls, Rizwan remained undefeated at 122. In contrast, Salman hit 134 off 103, including two sixes and 16 fours. Ultimately, Pakistan easily won with six balls remaining.