Pakistan made an outstanding comeback at the first One-Day International (ODI) in Faisalabad with a superb bowling display to dismiss South Africa for 263. Spinner Abrar Ahmed and quick bowler Naseem Shah both claimed three-wicket hauls and led Pakistan’s impressive bowling display with impressive three-wicket hauls from spin bowling to successfully dismiss South Africa for 263 with three wicket hauls each. Geo.tv will provide coverage.
South Africa got off to an encouraging start but then lost steam due to a late collapse. Quinton de Kock made an excellent 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius made his mark as a debutant with an outstanding 60 ball score that gave them a 98 run opening stand for the first wicket. See dev.supersport.com for more details.
Pakistan quickly took control of the match after spin came into play and the pitch started to roughen, falling to spinner Naseem Shah while Pretorius edged Saim Ayub’s offspin to signal a change in momentum of play. geo.tv
At 228-6, South Africa were reeling and Abrar Ahmed made his impactful mark: two wickets in two deliveries to remove captain Matthew Breetzke (42) and Bjorn Fortuin (0); almost completeing his hat-trick when Lungi Ngidi survived an LBW review attempt!
Dev.supersport.com
Naseem Shah provided invaluable support, wrapping up the tail with three wickets before Abrar’s spell of 3Ye bowled in 49th over and helping seal 263 runs as total for victory in 49th over. As for geo.tv coverage:
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to bowl first at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad; this proved pivotal as later in their innings the pitch produced more turn and bounce, favouring their bowling attack.
Dev.supersport.com/infor/491571 In addition to their outstanding bowlers, Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub played key roles, picking up crucial wickets that tightened South Africa’s batting. As geo.tv reported:
What lies in wait for Pakistan’s batting Chasing 264 will put Pakistan’s batting unit under considerable strain, yet buoyed by momentum. Their openers and top order should aim to establish a solid platform before their spinners come into play – not an easy feat but confidence boosted by how their bowlers managed the innings’ closing phase.
South Africa’s Challenge
South Africa will see their innings as a wasted opportunity. Although their openers provided a solid platform, their middle and lower order batsmen struggled under sustained pressure as late partnerships didn’t materialise quickly enough allowing Pakistan regain control. Bowlers’ discipline helped Pakistan take back control, forcing the Proteas into regrouping quickly ahead of their next ODI match-up.
Final Thoughts
Today’s match illustrated classic subcontinent physics: an impressive start by South Africa was followed by a powerful comeback from Pakistan led by Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah that sent South Africa reeling backwards, sending a clear signal that they are well prepared and capable of defending home conditions. A thrilling batting contest promises to set the tone for the rest of this series.
Pakistan’s comeback showcased their bowling depth and home advantage savvy; now all eyes will turn toward seeing how their batsmen respond when trying to chase a defendable total.