SA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI, Paarl Match Report, Dec 17, 2024


South Africa 239 for 9 (Klaasen 86, Agha 4-32, Abrar 2-32) vs. Pakistan

A disciplined bowling performance from Pakistan, led by Salman Agha’s stunning lead role, saw them restrict South Africa to 239 for 9 in Paarl. Agha’s part-time spin rippled through South Africa’s top and middle order after the hosts got off to a good start as they fell from 70 for no loss in ten overs to 88 for 4 soon after. It fell to Heinrich Klaasen, who put aside his all-out belligerence with a valuable knock of 86 off 97 balls, to ensure that his team’s bowling attack had something notable to defend.

But after South Africa won the toss and opted to set a target in what appear to be idyllic batting conditions, Pakistan will firmly believe their job is half done.

This is largely due to Agha, whose rise to prominence in the innings was as sudden as it was unexpected. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton inched forward in the first powerplay at over seven runs per over, making light work of the opening spell of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah without appearing to take any risks. Mohammad Rizwan may have only introduced Agha into the attack to break the momentum, but it turned out to be an inspired choice.

After four overs, South Africa’s batting line-up, as well as their lead position, was left in tatters. It all started when Agha got one to skate towards De Zorzi and catch him in front; no revision was necessary. Rickelton clipped one in his next over, but Agha would save the best for last. With the new batsmen suddenly unable to read him off the field or out of hand, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs played for an innings that wasn’t there, and heard the sound of their off-stump being knocked down.

Rizwan sensed that the turn was finding a surprise foothold and brought out all the cavalry. Before long, Abrar Ahmed was advancing, while it was Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam’s turn to bowl. But Aiden Markram and Klaasen were slowly beginning to regain control of Pakistan, advancing through the middle, hoping to hold out before reaching death. But they knew the innings were being played on a tightrope without a safety harness, and it took a long-jumping mistake from Ayub for Markram to bowl them over.

With Marco Jansen struggling mightily throughout his innings, Klaasen had to salvage what he could from what was left. Pakistan’s seamers were also at their disciplined and energetic best. The difference between Jansen and Klaasen reached 50, but Jansen managed only 10 off 27 balls, and only got this far thanks to the generosity of a dolly that Haris Rauf placed on the ground.

Klaasen tried to keep working and earned a fifth ODI century; but Shaheen also deserved a wicket. He came through with a beauty, stitching and bringing down Klaasen’s center stump; The rattle could well have been the final nail in the coffin of the hosts’ innings. Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman limped through the final overs, adding 21 for the ninth wicket, but Pakistan may feel that by then they had inflicted the real damage.



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