Pakistan started their ODI series against him South Africa with a thrilling 3-wicket win in the opening game at Boland Park in Paarl. The contest went down to the wire where the visitors held their nerve and managed to win in a nail biting fashion.
Agha Salman flirts with the ball
South Africa got off to a steady start as openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton he added 33 and 36 runs, respectively. However, Pakistan's bowlers, in particular Agha Salman and Named Ahmedhe kept the middle order under control. Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a brilliant 86 off 97 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes, giving the hosts a full fight. Ahmed's quick spell of 2/32 and Salman's stunning 4/32 were instrumental in restricting South Africa to 239.
Saim Ayub hits a brilliant ton to take Pakistan over the finish line
In reply, Pakistan had a terrible start, losing Abdullah Shafiq for a duck in the open over there. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan he fell freely, leaving Pakistan struggling at 4/3. Sam Ayub steadied the innings with a classy 109 off 119 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes. His partnership with Salman, who scored a creditable 82 off 90 balls, was the backbone of the chase.
Despite a late flurry of wickets, Saim's heroics and Salman's innings ensured that Pakistan crossed the line with three balls to spare. Ottniel Baartman and Kagiso Rabada They were the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming two wickets each.
Not only did Salman enjoy the ball but he also delivered a match-marking hit with the bat. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award, highlighting his pivotal role in Pakistan's victory.
Also WATCH: SA vs PAK – Shaheen Afridi hits over Heinrich Klaasen's middle stump with a full snorter in 1st ODI
Here's how Twitter reacted:
Special from Saim Ayub. Scored his 2nd ODI century with his team under pressure at 60/4. A beautifully controlled innings.
– John Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
A kind of innings by Saim Ayub which proves that he is one for the future. Really great. 💯
– Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha spins a net with a brilliant 4-wicket haul to crush South Africa🔥
I don't know why Rizwan didn't let him finish his spell. Anyway, great bowling with perfect line and length.#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/je91N4xcB0– The Army PCT. (@thepctarmy0) December 17, 2024
What a victory, a classy innings by Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub pic.twitter.com/yisAn3homW
— khan (@Khanstitution1) December 17, 2024
He took his time to build a partnership when Pakistan fell apart, batting with maturity and attacking when needed.
A knock to remember for years for Saim Ayub. pic.twitter.com/57H5YpmvmK
— Ajmal Raza (@MrAJMALSays) December 17, 2024
Naseem shah to Salman ali agha, “5 run tu kia marega single double karta ja” pic.twitter.com/or374yqUTC
– junaiz (@dhillow_) December 17, 2024
Credit goes to
Saim ayub and salman Ali agha ❤ congratulations Pakistan#SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/vwDyY57iVs– Fatima habib (@faty_345) December 17, 2024
Massive Six from Agha Salman to complete his fifty!#SAvPAK #PAKvSA #PAKvsSA #SAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/2BnESlCVsO
– CricVid 📹! (@mysay07) December 17, 2024
Saim Ayub deserves all the hype and respect around him ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Y29xo6XtVS
— Challenger X (@MahdAdrees56) December 17, 2024
Salman Ali Agha gets 4-Fer 🔥
Awesome spell 🔥#PakistanCricket | #PAKvSA | #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/SzhwgYUVQX— Babar Zone (@BabarZone) December 17, 2024
Saim ayub done 💯 in his style #PAKvsSA #DuaiseanYuniverse2024 #MissFrance2025 #LingOrm #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/b9L5T1U0M6
— Mudassar Bhatti (@Bhattisb78) December 17, 2024
