One-Day Internationals: Pakistan beat South Africa by two wickets in last-over thriller

Faisalabad: Salman Ali Agha top-scored for Pakistan as it snatched a last-over victory over South Africa on Tuesday in an exciting finish to the first of three One-Day Internationals in Faisalabad.

Salman scored 62 as Pakistan won by two wickets with two balls remaining as it successfully chased down a 264-run target.

Pakistan put South Africa in to bat and the tourist’s opening pair put on a 98-run partnership before teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 57 off 60 balls on his ODI debut, was expertly caught at point.

Quinton de Kock, back in the ODI ranks after a two-year absence, was South Africa’s top scorer with 63, and Corbin Bosch made a quick-fire 41 in the last overs before South Africa was bowled out for 263 with five balls to spare.

Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) got Pakistan off to a solid 87-run first-wicket start, and they kept on course as Mohammad Rizwan hit 55 and featured in a key 91-run fourth-wicket partnership with Salman. Rizwan had been replaced as captain last month.

There was a wobble for Pakistan, which was seemingly coasting to victory when it lost three wickets in successive overs, but new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi was there at the end to help see it over the line.

The two teams meet again at Iqbal Stadium, hosting international cricket after a 17-year absence, on Thursday. Agencies

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