Tri-Nation Series: Centuries from Rizwan and Agha Lead Pakistan to Historic Victory Over South Africa
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Synopsis
In a remarkable display of batting, Pakistan's Rizwan and Agha achieved centuries and formed a record-breaking partnership, securing the highest run chase in ODIs against South Africa by six wickets, thus reaching the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Rizwan scored an unbeaten 122 runs.
- Salman Agha made 134 runs off 103 balls.
- The pair shared a record 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
- Pakistan successfully chased down 352 runs, their highest ever.
- South Africa's total of 352 was set by notable performances from their top order.
Karachi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha both scored centuries, forming a remarkable 260-run partnership that propelled Pakistan to its highest-ever run chase in ODIs, defeating South Africa by six wickets and securing a spot in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series on Wednesday.
Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 off 128 deliveries, featuring nine fours and three sixes, while Agha blasted 134 off 103 balls, with 16 hits to the boundary and two sixes, leading Pakistan to a total of 355/4 in 49 overs, successfully chasing down South Africa’s 352/5 after they opted to bat first.
The cumulative 707 runs scored by both teams marked the highest aggregate in ODIs between South Africa and Pakistan. This victory was particularly meaningful for Pakistan, who had faced a defeat against New Zealand in their opening match, as they now prepared for a rematch final against the Kiwis.
After an opening partnership of 57 runs between Fakhar Zaman (41) and Babar Azam (23), Pakistan found themselves at 91/3, with Saud Shakeel departing for 15 runs.
The partnership between Rizwan and Agha was a masterpiece, bringing Pakistan to the brink of victory. Their 260-run collaboration is now the highest for the fourth wicket in ODIs for Pakistan, breaking the previous record of 206 runs held by Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik.
Rizwan reached his century first, needing 106 balls (7x4, 3x6), while Agha followed suit, reaching his milestone in just 87 balls with 13 boundaries.
The duo executed their innings excellently; Rizwan being cautious while Agha displayed aggression. Their performance led South Africa to concede over 300 runs for the second consecutive match.
Agha was dismissed, caught by Kyle Verreynne, who had taken over wicketkeeping duties from Heinrich Klaasen after the 31.2 overs of Pakistan's innings, with the score at 351, just four runs shy of victory.
Earlier, South Africa set a formidable total, thanks to impressive performances by captain Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen. Each of them scored half-centuries, while Kyle Verreynne added an unbeaten 44 off 32 balls, contributing to their total.
Bavuma, who partnered with Tony de Zorzi (22) for a 51-run opening stand, scored 82 runs, while Breetzke, who had previously scored 150 runs on his debut, contributed a brisk 83 runs. Klaasen emerged as the top scorer with 87 runs off 58 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes.
Bavuma and Breetzke combined for a 119-run second-wicket partnership, while Breetzke partnered with Klaasen for 68 runs for the third wicket. Ultimately, their efforts were overshadowed by the extraordinary performances of Rizwan and Agha.
