Pakistan created history by successfully chasing a 350-plus total for the first time in One Day Internationals (ODIs). In a thrilling encounter against South Africa, Pakistan chased down 353, surpassing their previous highest successful chase of 349 against Australia in Lahore (2022). This milestone places them among the elite teams that have achieved this feat.
Breaking the 350-Plus Chase Barrier
Achieving a 350-plus chase took Pakistan 16 attempts. With this victory, they became the sixth team to successfully chase a total exceeding 350 in ODI history. Notably, this is also the highest successful run chase recorded in a multi-nation tournament.
For South Africa, the loss was equally historic, as it marked the highest total they have ever conceded in an ODI. Previously, they had suffered a defeat after scoring 326 against Australia in 2002.
Rizwan and Salman Agha’s Record-Breaking Partnership
The star performers of the match were captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha, who stitched together a remarkable 260-run partnership after Pakistan faced early setbacks. This stand is now:
- Pakistan’s third-highest partnership in ODIs
- The highest ODI partnership against South Africa by Pakistan
- The highest partnership in a successful ODI chase for Pakistan
This record also broke South Africa’s previous highest conceded partnership of 257 runs, which was also by Pakistan’s Saleem Elahi and Abdul Razzaq in 2002.
Dual Centuries: A Rare Feat for Pakistan
For the first time in Pakistan’s ODI history, two players batting at No. 4 or lower scored centuries in the same innings. Rizwan’s unbeaten 122 and Salman’s blistering 134 off 103 balls played a pivotal role in the chase.
Mohammad Rizwan: Pakistan’s New Chase Master
With this century, Rizwan now holds the record for the most runs (425) scored in successful 300-plus ODI chases for Pakistan. His second century in such matches puts him alongside legends Babar Azam and Younis Khan.
Salman Agha’s Career-Best Performance
Salman Agha’s innings of 134 is now the highest individual score by a Pakistani batter playing at No. 5 or lower. He surpassed Basit Ali’s 127* against West Indies in 1993.
Matthew Breetzke’s Stunning Debut Series
South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke made a sensational start to his ODI career, amassing 233 runs in his first two matches. This broke the record set by Desmond Haynes (195 runs) for most runs in the first two ODI innings.
Highest Runs in a Pakistan vs. South Africa ODI
A total of 707 runs were scored in this match, setting a new record for the most runs in an ODI between these two teams. The previous best was 665 runs.
Five Batters Scoring 80+ Runs – A Rare Occurrence
This match saw five batters scoring 80 or more runs:
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), Heinrich Klaasen (87)
- Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (122*), Salman Agha (134)
This is only the third time in men’s ODIs that five batters have scored 80 or more in the same match.
A Rare 350-Plus Chase After a Poor Start
Pakistan’s chase was remarkable as they were 91 for 3 at one stage. Only one other team has managed to chase down 350-plus after losing three wickets for under 100—India in 2017 against England (351 chase, third wicket fell at 56).
Conclusion
Pakistan’s record-breaking victory against South Africa has etched its name in ODI history. With Rizwan and Salman Agha leading the charge, Pakistan’s first successful 350-plus run chase signifies a new era in their batting prowess. This match not only set new records but also reinforced Pakistan’s growing reputation as a formidable ODI team. Source Espncricinfo
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