Saim Ayub’s brilliant 109 and Salman Ali Agha’s all-round heroics powered Pakistan to a thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa in the first ODI at Boland Park on Tuesday. Ayub, a left-hander, and Salman (82*), stitched together a vital 141-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing Pakistan from a precarious 60/4.
Salman, who earlier claimed career-best bowling figures of 4/32 to restrict South Africa to 239/9, was named Player of the Match. However, in a heartwarming gesture, he handed the award to Ayub. “Without Ayub, we wouldn’t have won the game,” Salman said. “He faced the new ball brilliantly and set up the match for us.”
Despite Ayub’s heroics, there were tense moments in the chase. KagisoRabada dismissed Ayub with 38 runs still needed, and two more wickets fell before Salman sealed the win with a boundary in the penultimate over.
Heinrich Klaasen top-scored for South Africa with 86 off 97 balls but had to temper his usual aggressive style after the innings lost momentum against Salman’s off-spin. South Africa had started strongly, with openers Tony de Zorzi (33) and Ryan Rickelton (36) adding 70 runs inside the first 10 overs.
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Salman’s introduction in the 11th over changed the game. He took four wickets in 12 balls, reducing South Africa to 88/4. It was a remarkable performance from Salman, who had only taken 10 wickets in his previous 27 ODIs at an average of 50.
Spin dominated the match, with slow bowlers delivering 27 overs collectively and picking up seven wickets for just 107 runs.
Ayub, 22, followed up his unbeaten 98 in a recent T20I in Centurion with another mature and composed innings. He and Salman first steadied the ship before increasing the scoring rate.
The game turned decisively in Pakistan’s favor during the 35th over when OttnielBaartman returned to the attack. Baartman, who had earlier taken 2/9 in five overs, conceded 22 runs in his comeback over as Ayub hammered two sixes.
South Africa suffered a setback before the match when their premier spinner, KeshavMaharaj, was ruled out due to a groin strain sustained during the warm-up.
