Pakistan defeat South Africa by two wickets in first ODI thriller

Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in a nail-biting first One-Day International (ODI) at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday, taking a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a target of 264 runs, Pakistan scored 265 for eight in the final over. Salman Ali Agha scored 62 runs, while Mohammad Rizwan scored 55 and Fakhar Zaman added 45.

Saud Ayub (39) and Hussain Talat (22) also contributed to the team's victory. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (4)* and Naseem Shah (0)* guided the team home in the final over.

For South Africa, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, and Donovan Ferreira claimed two wickets each, while Joran Fortuin and George Linde picked up one apiece.

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 263 runs in 49.1 overs after opting to bat first. Quinton de Kock, returning from retirement, top-scored with 63 runs, followed by Luan-dre Pretorius (57) and skipper Matthew Breetzke (42).

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed claimed three wickets each. All-rounder Saud Ayub took two, while Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi picked up one each.