Pakistan sealed a hard-fought two-wicket win over South Africa in the first One-Day International at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, marking the return of international cricket to this venue after 17 long years. The hosts successfully chased down South Africa’s total of 263 runs, reaching 264/8 in 49.4 overs with just two balls remaining. Half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman Ali Agha (62) took Pakistan over the line in a nerve-wracking finish under the captaincy of Shaheen Shah Afridi in his first ODI as leader.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Outlook India
Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 263 | 49.1 | 10 | Lost by 2 wickets |
| Pakistan | 264 | 49.4 | 8 | Won with 2 balls remaining |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | South Africa | Batsman | 57 runs (60 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | Batsman | 63 runs (71 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes) |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 55 runs (74 balls, 8 fours) |
| Salman Agha | Pakistan | All-rounder | 62 runs (71 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) |
| Naseem Shah | Pakistan | Bowler | 3 wickets for 40 runs |
| Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | Bowler | 3 wickets for 53 runs |
Sources: Provided scorecard data
Key Moments
- South Africa’s Strong Start: Lhuan-dre Pretorius reached his half-century in 45 balls on his ODI debut, becoming the 11th South African batter to achieve this feat
- De Kock Returns in Style: Playing his first ODI after a gap of two years, de Kock reached his half-century in 50 deliveries
- Pakistan’s Opening Partnership: Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) gave Pakistan a good start before both departed in quick succession
- Middle-Order Collapse: Pakistan slumped to 105/3 after losing Babar Azam cheaply for just 7 runs
- Match-Winning Partnership: Rizwan reached his fifty in his first game after being stripped of ODI captaincy, while Salman Agha provided crucial support
- Tense Finish: Pakistan lost quick wickets toward the end but managed to cross the line with Mohammad Nawaz hitting 9 runs off 9 balls
Analysis
Pakistan won their sixth successive toss across formats during South Africa’s ongoing tour, and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi chose to bowl first on a pitch expected to assist spinners as the match progressed. The decision paid off as Pakistan’s bowlers restricted South Africa to 263, with Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed claiming three wickets each.
South Africa fielded a new-look side which featured debutants Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Donovan Ferreira, with Matthew Breetzke leading the team. The visitors struggled to build partnerships in the middle overs, losing regular wickets between overs 33 and 43.
Pakistan’s chase started confidently but became shaky after losing three quick wickets. However, the experienced duo of Rizwan and Salman Agha rebuilt the innings with intelligent batting, adding crucial runs through smart placement and calculated aggression. Their partnership put Pakistan in a commanding position before late drama made the finish closer than expected.
What’s Next
The second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa will take place at the same venue, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, as the hosts look to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. South Africa will need to regroup quickly and find ways to support their debutants while Pakistan will aim to continue their winning momentum under new captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.