Pakistan vs South Africa, 3rd Match at Karachi, Tri-Nation, Feb 12 2025 - Ball by Ball Commentary

That's all from our side for tonight. See you in the final with Pakistan taking on New Zealand at this very venue. Bye-bye.

Mohammed Rizwan: When God helps, you break all kinds of records. We gave our full effort. We were looking to restrict them to 320 but Klaasen took them to 350. When we were going back after the first innings, Khushdil said we had chased 350 before. Someone said we had chased 340 against some other team. When Agha and I were batting, we set targets for five-five overs. We failed to achieve that a couple of times but mostly did. Our fielding still needs some improvement. Hopefully, we will be able to do it because that's how champion teams play.

Temba Bavuma: You back yourself after getting to 350. We got a couple of wickets that slowed them down but we weren't able to get on a momentum. It was a good wicket. There was a little bit of swing but nothing otherwise. It was tough work for bowlers. Wickets are important. Bowling both sides of the wicket, the batters are going to put you away. In the middle, either you squeeze or take wickets to handicap them in the death. I am hitting the ball well. My last proper knock was against Pakistan in the Test series. So good to remove some cobwebs.

Salman Agha is the Player of the Match: It was a good wicket to bat on and we wanted to take it as deep as we can. We had targets for every five overs and we could do it. That catch just stuck in the hands. But I want to contribute in all three departments. There was a bit of reverse in the first innings but it was a good wicket all day. When Rizwan has cramps, we know he is in the game, his head is working.

Time for the presentation ceremony.

Shaheen Syeda: "Does anyone believe me? At 91/3 I thought that if these 2 stuck around and made 100 so, then the rest of them could chase it, At the 30-over mark again I thought that if they made 60-70 runs rest would be a breeze."

10.17pm A great, great chase. Pakistan looked down and out after the first half where tempers flared. South Africa rode on the 80s from Bavuma, Breetzke and Klaasen to post 352 for 5. Pakistan had never chased down these many. But Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam set the platform by taking Pakistan to 50 in just 5.2 overs. The start they provided allowed Rizwan and Agha to take their time. Once set, there was no looking back. Agha was the aggressor, always keeping the asking rate in check. Rizwan played the anchor's role for most of their stand but he too opened up towards the end. Both brought up their hundreds, Agha's being his first in ODIs. The two added 260 in a record fourth-wicket stand for Pakistan. By the time there were 12 overs left, it was clear Pakistan were cruising. That showed where cricket has arrived today. Eventually, they reached their target with an over to spare.

Tayyab Tahir now with two required

Haseeb: "Who do you give the MoM award? " --- Salman Agha

Just one hit away now

Ten required from two overs

Momen: "Is it highest partnership for Pakistan in ODI when chasing! " --- It is!

Muhammad Faisal: "captain and vice captain at their best. "

Ngidi is back