Pakistan edged out South Africa by two wickets in a tense end at Faisalabad, taking a 1-0 lead within the ODI collection as worldwide cricket returned to Iqbal Stadium after 17 years.

Faisalabad noticed an thrilling comeback of worldwide cricket as Pakistan beat South Africa by two wickets in a tense last-over end, taking a 1-0 lead within the three-match ODI collection on Tuesday. The victory got here on the well-known Iqbal Stadium, which hosted a global recreation for the primary time in 17 years, the final one being in April 2008.

How was Pakistan’s efficiency within the match?

Shaheen Shah Afridi started his first match as Pakistan’s ODI captain in fashion, taking up the function from Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan stayed calm whereas chasing a goal of 264 in a detailed match. Openers Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) gave the crew a powerful starting with an 87-run partnership. Nevertheless, South Africa bounced again as Donovan Ferreira and Bjorn Fortuin took fast wickets, leaving Pakistan at 105 for 3.

After that, Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman Agha (62) steadied the innings with a gradual 91-run stand, bringing Pakistan near the goal.

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When it regarded like a simple win for Pakistan, South Africa hit again as Lungi Ngidi (2/46) and Corbin Bosch (2/32) took key wickets, including stress to the chase. With eight wickets down and solely two balls left, captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (4*) and Naseem Shah stayed calm and guided Pakistan to 264/8 for an exciting win.

How was South Africa’s recreation?

South Africa scored a powerful whole of 263 runs in 49.1 overs, due to Quinton de Kock’s 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 57. The duo added 98 runs for the opening stand earlier than Pakistan’s bowlers made a comeback.

Abrar Ahmed (3/53) and Saim Ayub (2/39) broke key partnerships, whereas Naseem Shah (3/40) took necessary wickets close to the tip to gradual South Africa’s momentum.

The match went forwards and backwards, holding the Faisalabad crowd thrilled all through. For Pakistan, it was an evening crammed with willpower, persistence, and pleasure as worldwide cricket lastly returned to town after nearly 20 years.

The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead within the collection and made Iqbal Stadium’s comeback actually memorable.