Overview
The 3rd ODI of the Tri-nation series 2025 between Pakistan and South Africa is played at National Stadium Karachi on February 12, 2025. It was a knockout clash for both teams as a ticket to book the final against New Zealand on February 14, 2025. In this article, we will discuss the significance of this match, Game-changing moments, Key performances, and the final results.
So, both teams have adopted a positive mindset and played high-quality cricket throughout the game.
Significance of this Match
In the previous encounters, New Zealand won both games against Pakistan and South Africa quite comfortably and qualified for the final so it was an all-important match for both teams. As South African explosive middle order batter Henrick Kalassan said before the match: ' If we beat Pakistan to knock the host team out and play the final against New Zealand it will put a lot of smile on my face and we will try our level best to do it." So it was a good contest full of emotions and belief.
Team News
South Africa announced quite an inexperienced squad for the Tri-nation series to test the bench strength just before the all-important Champions Trophy, but for this virtual semi-final, they have brought back 4 of their key players to strengthen their playing 11. Henrich Kalassan, Keshav Maharaj, Tony De Zorzi, and Tabraiz Shamsi were brought back whereas Corbin Bosch and Kyle Verrerynne were also added to the team replacing Junior Dala.
Pakistan have also made a couple of changes as they brought in Saud Shakeel as a replacement for Kamran Ghulam and Harris Rauf was injured so He was replaced with Muhammad Husnain. If you want to know more about what has happened to Harris Rauf more information is available here:
Harris Rauf is out of the Tri-nation series with Injury.
1st Innings & Key Moments
South Africa won the toss and batted 1st on a very good batting track. Both the opener started aggressively and scored Suns freely as there was nothing in the pitch for bowlers. Shaheen Afridi trapped De Zorzi at the score of 39 while he was fishing outside the off stump. Then Bretzke the last match hero came in and started playing his shots from the 1st ball.
Both the batters kept the momentum and thrashed every bowler all over the park. They completed their fifties with a power show and took the team's total to 170 in just 28 overs. Just when it was looking like they would take the game away from Pakistan Saud Shakeel ran out Tema Bavuma he was out for well made 82 off 96 balls, then Henrich Kalassan came to the party and started piling on the scoreboard with free-flowing stroke-making, and both the batters took scoreboard to 238 in 38 overs.
At that time Khushdil Shah struck back for Pakistan to send back Breetzke courtesy of a terrific catch by Salaman Ali Agha at extra cover, he scored almost run ball 83. Soon Shaheen Shah Afridi trapped Mulder to provide Pakistan the sniff. But Henrich Kalassan kept the momentum and with the help of lower order surge South Africa posted a commanding total of 352 in alloted overs for the loss of 5 wickets.
Kalassan scored 56 balls 87 where as Kyle Verreynne scored 44 on 32 balls. All the Pakistan bowlers toiled hard without much success. Shaheen Afridi picked 2 wickets whereas Naseem and Khushdil one one each.
2nd Innings and Key Moments
While chasing an imposing total of 353, Pakistan openers Fakhar and Babar Started aggressively and made full use of field restrictions. Pakistan team's total crossed just with 1st 5 overs. Wian Mulder dismissed Babar Azam to provide South Africa a much-needed breakthrough.
Fakhar and Saud kept the momentum but both the batters got out within 11 overs when the team's total was 93. Then Saalman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan started building a partnership, they took their time as the required rate was already under control. Once they settled in they started playing their shots freely, it put pressure back on Proteas as they were missing Kagiso Rabada in the middle overs. Both the batters took full advantage of the changes in the African inexperienced pace attack. Maharaj and Shamsi tried through to build pressure but both batters never let the required rate jump out of reach.
They played exceptional innings with some delightful shots. All the South African bowlers were at the mercy of the batters as they kept pressure back on South Africa. Both of them scored their fantastic hundreds and provided Pakistan a thumping win at the National Stadium Karachi.
Who won the Match Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI Tri Nation Series 2025?
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha scored 260 runs in the 4th wicket partnership to shatter the records. It was the highest 4th wicket partnership for Pakistan while chasing in ODI's. Pakistan chased down the total in 49 overs. It was also the highest chase for Pakistan in ODI's.
Mohammad Rizwan scored 122 runs off 128 balls with the help of 9 fours and 3 sixes whereas vice captain Salmaan Ali Agha scored 134 runs off 103 balls including 16 fours and 2 sixes.
Key Performances of the Match
1st Innings
- Henrich Kalassan scored 87 off 56 balls.
- Breetzke scored 83 off 84 balls.
- Temba Bavuma scored 82 off 96 balls.
2nd Innings
- Salman Ali Agha scored 134 of 103 balls.
- Muhammad Rizwan scored 122 off 128 balls.
- Fakhar Zaman scored 41 off 28 balls.
Where the match was won?
Muhammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha's outstanding Partnership of 260 runs in just 229 balls led the foundation and it was the partnership that took the game away from Proteas.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Salman Ali Agha was handed a well-deserved Man of the Match award for his match-winning ton of 134 off just 103 balls. He was absolutely on top of his game and played some eye-catching shots, fans would have enjoyed it definitely.
Final Result
Pakistan won the match by 6 wickets and chased down a total of 353 in the 49th over. Their batters Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha showed how a very good total can become a below-par total. Now they have set the final with New Zealand on February 14, 2025 also which is expected to be a cracker of a game.
So, What are your thoughts on the final, will Pakistan beat New Zealand in the all-important final or will New Zealand keep the winning momentum to get the upper hand against the opposition they will have to face again in the 1st match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. And who will win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Let us know in the comments.
Now we will answer some frequently asked questions.
.png)
.png)
0 Comments