Heinrich Klaasen's superb knock of 86 helped South Africa post a competitive total of 239 in the first ODI against Pakistan at Boland Park in Paarl, setting the visitors a target of 240 to win the match.
South African captain Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that initially paid off as openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton provided a solid start with a partnership of 70 runs in the first powerplay.
However, just as the Proteas looked set to capitalise on the strong start, Pakistan’s spinner Agha Salman turned the game in his side’s favour. Salman claimed four wickets in just three overs, leaving South Africa reeling at 88 for 4.
Zorzi, who had made 33, was the first to fall, caught in front of the stumps. Rickleton, who had made 36 off 38 balls, was then bowled out by Salman after attempting a cut shot. Salman continued his dominance in the 14th over, dismissing both Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs for ducks, as South Africa lost four wickets for just 18 runs.
At a critical juncture, Markram (35) was joined by Klaasen, and the pair managed to steady the ship. Together, they put on a 73-run partnership that revived the Proteas' hopes of setting a challenging total.
Klaasen’s 86, combined with Markram's 35, guided South Africa to a total of 239/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Agha Salman delivered a career-best performance, claiming 4/32, while Abrar Ahmed also took 2 wickets.
Pakistan now requires 240 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.
The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.
Playing XI:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(C), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi
Schedule of matches:
17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)
19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)
22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)
