Faisalabad: South Africa posted a total of 263 runs in 49.1 overs in the first ODI against Pakistan after a steady start but a middle-order collapse triggered by Pakistani bowlers brought the innings to an early end.
South Africa began strongly as Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius built a solid foundation at the top.
- De Kock played a composed knock of 63 runs off 71 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes, before being dismissed by Naseem Shah.
- Pretorius added 57 off 60 deliveries with 7 boundaries and a six but was caught by Mohammad Nawaz off Saim Ayub.
Captain Matthew Breetzke contributed 42 runs, while Qeshile scored 22, but Pakistan struck back through spin as Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz removed the middle order.
In the lower order, Corbin Bosch fought back with a brisk 41 off 40 balls, hitting 6 fours, but received little support from the tail. South Africa lost their last five wickets cheaply, collapsing from a strong position.
🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Bowling Performance:
- Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, and Saim Ayub all shared wickets and kept the pressure on.
- Abrar dismissed two key batters including the captain.
- Saim Ayub struck with the first breakthrough of the innings.
🎯 Match Situation:
Pakistan now need 264 runs to win the first ODI and take a lead in the series. A lot will depend on the top order featuring Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan as they chase a competitive but achievable target.
