Pakistan defeated South Africa by three wickets in a gripping ODI match, with Saim Ayub’s impressive century and all-round Salman Ali Agha's belligerence proving pivotal in chasing down a target of 240 runs at the Boland Park in Paarl on Tuesday.

Electing to bat first, South Africa posted 239 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Agha Salman led Pakistan’s bowling attack. Agha Salman stood out with figures of 4-32, dismantling the South African top order, including key wickets of Tony de Zorzi (33), Ryan Rickelton (36), and Rassie van der Dussen (8).

Heinrich Klaasen anchored the innings with a composed 86 off 97 balls, striking seven boundaries and two sixes. Captain Aiden Markram contributed a cautious 35 runs off 54 deliveries before falling to Saim Ayub.

In response, Pakistan faced early troubles after losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck in the second over. Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman unsettled the top order, dismissing Babar Azam (23) and Mohammad Rizwan (1).

Saim Ayub, however, steadied the innings with a brilliant 109 off 119 deliveries, featuring 10 boundaries and three sixes. Partnering with Agha Salman, who remained unbeaten on 82 off 90 balls, the duo put together a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 141 runs.

Rabada and Baartman picked up two wickets each, but their efforts fell short as Pakistan crossed the target with three balls to spare. Naseem Shah contributed a crucial nine runs towards the end to secure the victory.

This win handed Pakistan an early lead in the ODI series. The teams will next face off in the second match of the series.

TOSS

South Africa had elected to bat first against Pakistan in the first of the three-match ODI series.