HomeBlogSA vs PAK 2024/25, South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI, Paarl Match...

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


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

A disciplined bowling performance from Pakistan, spearheaded by the surprise starring role of Salman Agha, saw them restrict South Africa to 239 for 9 in Paarl. Agha’s part-time offspin ran through the South African top and middle order after the hosts made a flying start, as they slumped from 70 without loss in ten overs to 88 for 4 soon after. It was left to Heinrich Klaasen, who set aside his all-out belligerence for a valuable knock of 86 from 97 balls, to make sure his side’s bowling attack have something of note to defend.

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

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

Inside four overs, South Africa’s batting line-up – as well as their position of advantage – was cut to ribbons. It all began when Agha got one to skid into de Zorzi and trap him in front; no review was necessary. Rickelton chopped one on from him in his following over, but Agha would save his best for last. With the new batters suddenly unable to read him either off the pitch or out of the hand, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs played for turn that wasn’t there, and heard the rattle of their off stump being knocked back.

Rizwan sensed spin was finding surprise purchase, and brought out the full cavalry. Before long, Abrar Ahmed was powering through, while Saim Ayub and Kamran Ghulam each got turn to bowl. But Aiden Markram and Klaasen were slowly beginning to wrestle control back from Pakistan, ticking along through the middle overs, hoping to hold out before going big at the death. But they knew the innings was being played on a tightrope without a safety harness, and it took a miscue off a long hop from Ayub for Markram to topple them off it.

With Marco Jansen struggling badly throughout his innings, it was left to Klaasen to salvage what he could from what was left. Pakistan’s seamers were at their disciplined, spirited best, too. That stand between Jansen and Klaasen made it to 50, but Jansen managed a mere 10 off 27 balls, and only got that far thanks to the largesse of a dolly which Haris Rauf put down.

Klaasen tried to continue hammering away, and deserved a fifth ODI hundred; but Shaheen, too, deserved a wicket. It came via a beauty, seaming in and knocking back the middle stump of Klaasen; the rattle may well have been the final nail in the coffin for the hosts’ innings. Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman hobbled along for the last few overs, adding 21 for the ninth wicket, but Pakistan may feel they had inflicted the real damage by then.


RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular

Recent Comments