In a nail-biting finish at Faisalabad, Pakistan clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 264, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha emerged as the hero, scoring a crucial 62 runs to guide his team to victory with just two balls to spare. The match, marked by intense moments and strategic plays, showcased the resilience of both teams. South Africa, batting first, posted a competitive total of 263, thanks to notable contributions from Quinton de Kock (63) and Corbin Bosch (41). Pakistan’s chase was anchored by a solid 87-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39), followed by a pivotal 91-run stand between Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman. Despite a late collapse that saw three wickets fall in quick succession, new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi steadied the ship to secure the win. The series continues on Thursday at Iqbal Stadium, which is hosting international cricket after a 17-year hiatus.
