Pakistan’s cricket team made history in a tri-series match against South Africa in Karachi, prevailing after chasing a massive target of 353 runs. With the win, Pakistan has guaranteed its position in Friday’s final, when it will face New Zealand.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, who both scored magnificent centuries, were leading this iconic pursuit. Salman scored 134 runs, while Rizwan remained undefeated with a spectacular 122. They broke the previous national record set by Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan in 2009 with 260 runs for the fourth wicket, which not only helped Pakistan win but also became their most famous partnership.
At one point in the match, South Africa had a commanding 352-5 lead, courtesy of a brilliant 150-run innings by Matthew Breetzke and other contributions. The chase appeared manageable, though, thanks to Rizwan and Salman’s self-assurance and well-placed shots. After the game, Rizwan acknowledged the support of God and his own humility by stating, “When God helps, you break all kinds of records.”
Pakistan had previously pursued 349 runs in a One-Day International match against Australia at Lahore in 2022, but this chase was their biggest to date. The home team’s batting resiliency and consistency were on full display as they sparked the match with multiple fours and sixes.
Despite South African captain Temba Bavuma blaming the uneven surface for his team’s defeat, Pakistan’s grit and talent were evident throughout the match. Pakistan proved they were ready to take on the world in this encounter, which was a strong tune-up for the Champions Trophy.
