All-rounder Salman Ali Agha won hearts after sharing his Man of the Match award with young opener Saim Ayub following Pakistan’s thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series.
In just his seventh ODI appearance, Ayub played an explosive knock, smashing his second ODI century with a brilliant 109 runs off 108 balls.
Agha’s overall performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The modest player dedicated the award to Ayub, recognizing the importance of the young opener’s contribution. He said during the post-game presentation:
“We were in a difficult position, but we took control one at a time and built from there. His (Ayub’s) knock prepared the game. He was there with the new ball and was running out of partners. The way he played the fast bowlers and scored a hundred on this pitch was incredible.
Reflecting on the challenge, Ayub said: “Obviously, it’s difficult. We had four defeats and on this track you have to maintain belief. He (Agha) is more experienced than me and was guiding me.”
Pakistan’s chase faltered early with the loss of four wickets for just 60 runs. However, Ayub’s quick 109 off 108 balls and Agha’s steady 82* off 90 guided Pakistan to a dominant partnership of 141 runs, which shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
Despite a late collapse, Agha maintained his composure, sealing victory with a boundary in the final over as Pakistan reached 242/7 in 49.3 overs.
Earlier, South Africa managed 239/9 in their 50 overs, with a crucial 73-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (86 off 97) and Aiden Markram (35 off 54).
Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi got off to a solid start with a 70-run opening stand, but Pakistan’s spinners, led by Agha, dismantled the middle order.
Abrar Ahmed contributed two wickets while Shaheen Afridi and Ayub claimed one each.
With this victory, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI is scheduled to take place in Cape Town tomorrow.
