Pakistan’s cricket history is filled with thrilling moments, but February 12, 2025, will be remembered as the day Agha Salman and Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated the team’s highest-ever successful chase in ODIs. Facing a mammoth target of 353 runs, the duo scripted an unforgettable partnership, dismantling South Africa’s bowling attack with sheer class, resilience, and fearless stroke play.

A Chase for the Ages

South Africa had put up an imposing total of 352 for 5, powered by Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive 87, Breetzke’s steady 83, and Bavuma’s well-crafted 82. On paper, this should have been a winning total, especially given the way Pakistan’s bowlers were taken to the cleaners. But Pakistan had other plans.

It all started with Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, who set the tone early, smashing 56 runs in just six overs. The duo went after the Proteas’ quicks, punishing Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch for anything loose. However, Pakistan soon found themselves in trouble when Babar (28) and Saud Shakeel (15) fell in quick succession, leaving the team at 91 for 2 inside the first 10 overs.

Then came the moment that changed everything—Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ever-reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, walked in and joined hands with Agha Salman. The duo had an uphill battle ahead, but what followed was a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership that will be talked about for years.

The Rizwan-Salman Masterclass

Rizwan and Salman took their time initially, respecting the good deliveries while punishing the bad ones. For seven overs, there was only one boundary, and the required run rate crept up to 7.3 per over. But the duo never panicked. Instead, they rotated the strike beautifully, ensuring they stayed in control of the chase.

 

Soon, the boundaries started flowing. Salman took the lead, dispatching the spinners whenever they erred in length, while Rizwan kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and twos.

By the 25th over, Pakistan had reached 163 for 3, still needing 190 runs. The required rate was climbing, but Rizwan and Salman had everything under control. When Senuran Muthusamy came into the attack, Rizwan lined him up and launched him over long-on for a massive six, bringing up their 100-run stand.

By now, both batters were well set. Rizwan brought up his fifty, followed closely by Salman, who reached the milestone in just 51 balls. At this point, South Africa started to crumble under pressure. They offered too much width, their fielding was below-par, and their lengths were inconsistent.

Pakistan entered the final 10 overs needing 82 runs—a challenging but achievable target. South Africa had scored 110 in the same period, so Pakistan knew they had to accelerate.

And accelerate they did.

Finishing in Style

Both set batters approached the 90s, and Rizwan was the first to get there, smashing a deep mid-wicket six off Mulder. He reached his century off 106 balls, his fourth in ODIs. Just a few deliveries later, Salman joined him in the three-figure club, bringing up his maiden ODI century in just 87 balls.

Pakistan crossed the 300-run mark in the 44th over, with just 32 runs needed from the last five overs. Salman eventually fell for 134, but the damage had already been done. With just a handful of runs left, Pakistan sealed the deal with six balls to spare, scripting a historic chase.

What Went Wrong for South Africa?

While South Africa’s batting was top-notch, they lacked the finishing touch.

• Klaasen was phenomenal, but his thumb injury midway through the game meant he couldn’t keep wickets—a huge setback for South Africa’s strategy.
• Bavuma’s dismissal on 82 was another blow, as he was on course for a big hundred.
• Their bowlers lacked discipline, repeatedly bowling too full or too short, giving Rizwan and Salman the perfect opportunities to capitalize.
• Poor fielding efforts cost them crucial runs, making it easier for Pakistan to control the chase.

A Fiery Start to South Africa’s Innings

Earlier in the match, South Africa started aggressively, with Bavuma and Breetzke putting up a 64-run stand inside the powerplay. Breetzke, in particular, was hitting at over 100 strike rate, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Bavuma, after getting to his first ODI fifty in 17 innings, looked set for a big score but got out at 82.

Pakistan’s bowlers were struggling, especially Hasnain, who leaked 72 runs in eight overs. But Shaheen Afridi brought in the heat, engaging in a heated stare-down with Breetzke and trying to get under his skin. At one point, they even collided mid-run, showing the intensity of the contest.

Saud Shakeel, with some brilliant fielding, ran Bavuma out on 82, giving Pakistan a crucial breakthrough. Then came Klaasen, who unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including four fours in a single over against Hasnain.

With Breetzke dismissed to a stunning diving catch by Salman, Pakistan regained control. South Africa still managed to reach 352, but they would have wanted at least 20-30 more runs.

The Difference? Pakistan’s Centuries vs. South Africa’s Near-Misses

At the end of the day, the difference was Pakistan’s two centuries to South Africa’s none.

• Bavuma, Klaasen, and Breetzke all fell short of a hundred, failing to convert their starts.
• Rizwan and Salman, on the other hand, stayed till the end and got the job done.

What’s Next?

With this record-breaking win, Pakistan not only sealed their spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand but also sent a strong message ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup.

This match will be remembered as one of Pakistan’s greatest chases, led by two men who refused to back down. If Rizwan and Salman continue to bat like this, Pakistan will be a force to reckon with in world cricket.

And for South Africa? They need to regroup quickly because six straight ODI losses don’t paint a pretty picture.