Win Projections to be updated soon
Faisalabad, 5 November 2025:
Pakistan made a memorable return to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium after 17 years, pulling off a thrilling two-wicket victory against South Africa in the opening one-day international on Tuesday. The hosts chased down 264 in the final over to move 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
The result gave Shaheen Shah Afridi a triumphant start to his reign as Pakistan’s ODI captain. The next match will be played at the same venue on Thursday.
Pakistan’s chase was shaped by a composed innings from Salman Ali Agha, who top-scored with 62 off 71 balls, striking five boundaries and a six. He was ably supported by Mohammad Rizwan, who compiled 55 off 74 balls in a steady fourth-wicket partnership worth 91 runs.
Openers Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) and Saim Ayub (39 off 42) gave Pakistan a flying start with an 87-run stand before the middle order consolidated. However, a late wobble saw the hosts lose three wickets for 22 runs, setting up a tense finish. Afridi and Naseem Shah calmly guided Pakistan home with two balls remaining.
South Africa’s bowlers fought hard to keep the contest alive. Corbin Bosch impressed with 2-32, while Lungi Ngidi (2-46) and Donovan Ferreira (2-53) also struck at crucial intervals.
Earlier, South Africa were dismissed for 263 in 49.1 overs after being sent in to bat. Quinton de Kock anchored the innings with 63 off 71 balls, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius contributed 57 off 60 in a 98-run opening stand. Captain Matthew Breetzke added 42, and Bosch made a brisk 41 off 40 balls down the order.
Pakistan’s bowlers combined effectively to restrict the visitors. Naseem Shah led the attack with 3-40, supported by Abrar Ahmed (3-53) and Saim Ayub (2-39). Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz picked up a wicket apiece.
The win delighted a packed Faisalabad crowd, witnessing international cricket in the city for the first time since 2008.
Scores in brief:
South Africa 263 all out, 49.1 overs (Quinton de Kock 63, Lhuan-dre Pretorius 57, Matthew Breetzke 42, Corbin Bosch 41; Naseem Shah 3-40, Abrar Ahmed 3-53, Saim Ayub 2-39)
Pakistan 264-8, 49.4 overs (Salman Ali Agha 62, Mohammad Rizwan 55, Fakhar Zaman 45, Saim Ayub 39, Hussain Talat 22; Corbin Bosch 2-32, Lungi Ngidi 2-46, Donovan Ferreira 2-53)
Player of the Match: Salman Ali Agha (Pakistan)
