PAK vs SA ODI Tri Series Highlights | Pakistan Clinch Thrilling Victory Over South Africa in High-Scoring 3rd ODI

Pakistan emerged victorious in a breathtaking contest against South Africa in the 3rd ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025, successfully chasing down a massive 353-run target at the National Stadium, Karachi. Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten century and a composed performance by the middle order guided Pakistan to a six-wicket triumph with an over to spare, sealing an emphatic win in front of a roaring home crowd.

Match Summary: Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI

South Africa: 352/5 (50 overs; T Bavuma 82, H Klaasen 87; S Afridi 2-66, N Shah 1-68)
Pakistan: 355/4 (49 overs; M Rizwan 122*, S Agha 134; L Ngidi 1-74, W Mulder 2-79)

Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets

BOUNDARY TO FINISH OFF A MEMORABLE CHASE ????

Karachi has witnessed history today ????#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/q8OWB9Q99P

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025

South Africa Set a Mammoth Target with Clinical Batting Display

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, South Africa put on an impressive display with the bat, posting a commanding total of 352/5 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma played a crucial innings, scoring 82 off 96 balls before being run out by Saud Shakeel.

Klaasen was the standout performer, smashing a scintillating 87 off just 56 deliveries, propelling South Africa towards a formidable total. Breetzke also played a vital role, scoring 83 off 84 balls, anchoring the innings alongside Bavuma.

Despite Pakistan's bowling attack struggling to contain the run flow, Shaheen Afridi picked up two wickets, including the key scalps of Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder. Naseem Shah also chipped in, dismissing the dangerous Klaasen in the final overs.

Rizwan’s Brilliance and Salman Agha’s Knock Anchor Pakistan’s Chase

Chasing 353, Pakistan got off to a shaky start as Babar Azam fell early for 23, trapped LBW by Mulder. Saud Shakeel followed soon after, managing just 15 before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch.

Fakhar Zaman tried to counterattack but was caught behind for 41, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 91/3 inside 11 overs. With the required rate climbing, Mohammad Rizwan took charge of the innings, playing a captain’s knock that kept Pakistan in the hunt.

Rizwan, well-supported by Salman Agha, steadied the chase, putting together a crucial 260-run partnership. Salman Agha’s 134 off 103 balls was filled with exquisite stroke play, and his ability to find boundaries at regular intervals took the pressure off Rizwan.

As Pakistan inched closer to victory, Salman Agha eventually fell in the 49th over, caught by Verreynne off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling. However, Rizwan remained unbeaten on a magnificent 122 off 128 deliveries, guiding Pakistan home with Tayyab Tahir at the crease.

South Africa’s Bowlers Struggle to Contain Pakistan’s Batting Line-Up

South Africa’s bowlers had a tough day on the field, unable to build sustained pressure on the Pakistani batters. Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch managed a wicket each, but they could not prevent the hosts from completing the record chase.

Tabraiz Shamsi proved expensive, conceding 53 runs in his nine overs without a wicket, while Keshav Maharaj was the most economical of the bowlers, returning figures of 0/54 from his ten overs.

A Record-Breaking Chase and an ODI Classic

This match will be remembered as one of the finest ODIs played in Karachi, with Pakistan pulling off their highest-ever chase against South Africa. The contest had everything an imposing total, explosive batting, sharp fielding, and a dramatic finish.

The win solidifies Pakistan’s dominance in the series, and with Mohammad Rizwan leading from the front, the team looks in formidable form heading into the next phase of the tournament.