SA vs PAK : Salman Agha, Saim Ayub Star For Pakistan In Thrilling 7-Wicket Win Over South Africa In 1st ODI

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SA vs PAK 1st ODI: Saim Ayub delivered a brilliant knock of 109 runs, while Salman Agha excelled as an all-rounder for Pakistan to secure a thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI at Boland Park on Tuesday, 17th December.

Earlier in the day, South Africa's captain Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan.

Openers Tony de Zorzi (33) and Ryan Rickelton (36) got the hosts off to a flying start, putting together a 70-run stand for the first wicket within the 10-over powerplay.

However, Salman Agha, who had claimed just 10 wickets at an average cost of 50 runs in 27 prior ODIs, turned the tide by claiming four quick scalps in the space of 12 deliveries, leaving South Africa reeling at 88/4.

Spin bowlers dominated proceedings, delivering a total of 27 overs and collectively taking seven wickets while conceding only 107 runs. Heinrich Klaasen's gritty 86 anchored South Africa to a total of 239/9 in their 50 overs, with Agha finishing with impressive figures of 4/32 from his eight overs.

Irfan Khan Niazi and Mohammad Rizwan managed to score just a single run each for Pakistan in the run-chase, while Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen Afridi departed for ducks.

Apart from Ayub and Agha, the only batter to reach double figures was Babar Azam, who contributed 23 runs from 38 balls, hitting three boundaries.

After the match, Salman shared his MOTM award with Ayub, what it turned out to be a brilliant gesture of sportsmanship.

"We were in a tricky position but we took it one over at a time and built it from there. His (Ayub's) knock set up the game. He was there with the new ball and was running out of partners. The way he played the fast bowlers and scoring a hundred on this pitch was amazing, says Agha. "Obviously it is difficult. We were four down and on this track you need to keep the belief. He (Agha) is more experienced than me and was guiding me," Ayub said.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan also reflected on the big win.

"We were in a tricky position but we took it one over at a time and built it from there. His (Ayub's) knock set up the game. He was there with the new ball and was running out of partners. The way he played the fast bowlers and scoring a hundred on this pitch was amazing, says Agha. "Obviously it is difficult. We were four down and on this track you need to keep the belief. He (Agha) is more experienced than me and was guiding me," he said after the match.