Pakistan will have to complete their highest successful chase in ODIs, as South Africa smashed 110 runs in the last ten overs
South Africa 352 for 5 (Klaasen 87, Breetzke 83, Bavuma 82, Afridi 2-66) vs Pakistan
Temba Bavuma recorded his highest ODI score since September 2023, Matthew Breetzke set a new record for the most runs by any player after two ODIs (233), and Heinrich Klaasen continued his outstanding form with a fourth consecutive 80-plus score in the format. As a result, Pakistan will need to chase their highest-ever target to secure a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand. If South Africa successfully defends 352, they will end a five-match losing streak and progress to the final.
South Africa’s batting unit provided a strong platform, making full use of a flat pitch and quick outfield. Without the injured Haris Rauf, Pakistan’s attack struggled for control. Mohammad Hasnain, Rauf’s replacement, had a tough outing, conceding 72 runs in eight overs. Only Khushdil Shah managed to keep the economy rate under control.
The innings began cautiously against Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi before picking up momentum in the powerplay’s second half. Tony De Zorzi looked confident but edged Afridi to slip soon after hitting the innings’ first six. Bavuma and Breetzke then took charge, accelerating after Bavuma reached his first ODI fifty in 17 innings.
Bavuma played with more aggression than usual, attempting expansive shots off Khushdil. However, he was lucky when an edge off Khushdil flew past Mohammad Rizwan, and a top-edged slog was put down by Naseem at square leg when Bavuma was on 60.
Pakistan managed to slow down the scoring rate for a brief period, keeping South Africa below five runs per over for eight overs. However, Breetzke reached his fifty off 46 balls and survived a close lbw appeal after Pakistan reviewed.
Sensing a need for a breakthrough, Rizwan brought Afridi back into the attack in the 27th over. Afridi bowled with aggression, engaging in a heated exchange with Breetzke after an on-field collision while running between wickets. The tension escalated, and umpires had to intervene.
Bavuma’s innings ended in an unfortunate run-out while attempting a single. Saud Shakeel’s brilliant one-handed pickup and throw left Bavuma stranded on 82, denying him a potential century. Despite his dismissal, South Africa still had 21.5 overs left to capitalize on a strong foundation.
Klaasen, at No. 4, took some time to settle but soon unleashed his attacking game. He hammered Hasnain for four boundaries in an over, reviving South Africa’s innings. Breetzke fell for 83 to a stunning diving catch by Salman Agha, while Wiaan Mulder departed soon after, caught at point.
At 242 for 4 with ten overs left, South Africa needed a final flourish. Klaasen obliged, smashing a massive 95-meter six and racing to a 38-ball fifty. His next 37 runs came in just 18 balls, taking Afridi for back-to-back sixes in a 20-run over. However, his onslaught ended when he mis-hit a full toss to long-on off Naseem.
Kyle Verreynne’s unbeaten 44 and South Africa’s overall acceleration in the death overs saw them add 110 runs in the last ten overs. Their total of 352 stands as the fourth-highest ODI score in Karachi, setting up a massive challenge for Pakistan in this crucial encounter.
