Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets to secure a 1–0 lead in the three-match One Day International series at the Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday.
South Africa posted a total of 263 runs in 49.1 overs, with Quinton de Kock scoring 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius contributing 57. Pakistan’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly. Naseem Shah took three for 40, Abrar Ahmed claimed three for 53, while Saim Ayub picked up two for 39.
In reply, Pakistan reached the target of 264 for eight in 49.4 overs. Agha Salman led the chase with a composed 62 off 71 balls, supported by Mohammad Rizwan who struck 55. Fakhar Zaman added 45 at the top, while Saim Ayub scored 39. Despite a middle-order collapse, Shaheen Shah Afridi guided the team home with four not out.
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi and Donovan Ferreira claimed two wickets each, while Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, and Corbin Bosch took one apiece. Ferreira, on his ODI debut, impressed with figures of two for 53.
The visitors began strongly through Pretorius and de Kock, who shared a 98-run stand for the first wicket. However, Pakistan’s spinners slowed the scoring rate during the middle overs. Abrar Ahmed’s double breakthrough removed Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira, reducing South Africa to 202 for five. A late 41 from Corbin Bosch pushed the total past 260 before the innings closed in the final over.
Pakistan’s reply followed a similar pattern. Openers Zaman and Ayub provided a 87-run start before quick wickets left the side struggling at 105 for three. Rizwan and Salman rebuilt the innings with a 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both players fell in the closing overs, but Pakistan held their nerve to seal the win in the final over.
The second ODI will be played later this week as Pakistan seek to extend their lead in the series.
