KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha powered Pakistan into the tri-series final with commanding centuries, securing a six-wicket victory over South Africa in Karachi on Wednesday.
Rizwan orchestrated Pakistan’s highest-ever successful run chase in one-day internationals, reaching 353 in 49 overs with an unbeaten 122, while Salman registered his maiden century with a stunning 134 at the National Stadium.
With this win, Pakistan is set to clash with New Zealand in the final on Friday at the same venue. The tournament serves as a crucial preparation ahead of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence next week.
The centuries from Rizwan and Salman eclipsed Matthew Breetzke’s milestone of scoring the most runs in his first two one-day internationals, with his innings of 150 and 83 setting up South Africa’s formidable total of 352-5.
Rizwan and Salman’s remarkable 260-run partnership established a new record for Pakistan’s fourth wicket, surpassing the 206-run stand by Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan against India in Centurion in 2009.
Their exceptional batting performance dispelled concerns over Pakistan’s middle order, as they successfully outdid their previous best chase of 349 against Australia in Lahore in 2022.
Rizwan’s innings featured nine fours and three sixes off 128 deliveries, while Salman struck 16 boundaries and two sixes in his 103-ball knock.
“When divine help is with you, records are meant to be broken,” Rizwan stated. “We aimed to limit them to 320, but Klaasen’s innings took them to 350.
“At the interval, Khushdil (Shah) reminded us we had chased 350 before, which served as great motivation.”
South African captain Temba Bavuma attributed the loss to the batting-friendly pitch.
