Pakistan Edges South Africa in Thrilling ODI Finish in Faisalabad
Pakistan secured a narrow two-wicket victory over South Africa in the first one-day international at Faisalabad on Tuesday, completing a dramatic finish at Iqbal Stadium.
Chasing a target of 264 runs, Pakistan appeared to be cruising at 241-4 before South Africa mounted a late fightback, taking four wickets for just 22 runs and setting up a tense finale.
In the last over, Pakistan needed four runs with three wickets in hand but lost Mohammad Nawaz on the third ball while the scores were tied. Tail-ender Naseem Shah then took a sharp single on the next delivery to clinch the win and give Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The remaining two matches will also be held in Faisalabad on Thursday and Saturday, marking the city’s first international cricket games in 17 years.
"That always happens in cricket but we'll try to make it not happen again," said Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi. "It was a special occasion of cricket returning to Faisalabad so we are happy that we won."
Earlier, Pakistan bowled out South Africa for 263 runs in 49.1 overs despite half-centuries from openers Quinton de Kock and the teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
"I think we were 20-30 runs short," said Matthew Breetzke, leading South Africa for the first time. "We lost wickets in clusters but still there are a lot of positives."
Pakistan showed resilience to withstand South Africa's late surge and emerge victorious in a memorable match.
Summary: Pakistan narrowly defeated South Africa by two wickets in the first ODI at Faisalabad, overcoming a strong late comeback to take a 1-0 lead in the series.