Shaheen Afridi makes BOLD statement after securing his first ODI win as Pakistan’s captain, says…

New Delhi: Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan’s brilliant half-century helped Pakistan to secure a two-wicket win against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-match series. The first ODI also marked the start of Shaheen Afridi’s ODI captaincy stint, taking over from Rizwan ahead of the series. At the post-match presentation, Shaheen appeared calm and unfazed, downplaying any added pressure of leading the side.

“Was a normal game for me. Nothing special,” the newly-appointed skipper said after the match on Tuesday. “Credit to our batters. The way it turned and swung in second innings, they handled it really well. Batted really well on tough surface. That always happens (late drama). Will try it doesn’t happen again. Thank you to the crowd, international cricket is happening after a long time here and they came in big numbers.”

Salman Agha and Rizwan smashed superb half-century

Salman Agha scored crucial 62 runs off 71 balls, which included five boundaries and one six, while Rizwan scored 55-runs off 74 balls, which included six boundaries in his innings.

Pakistan’s win in the series opener gives them a 1-0 advantage against South Africa in the three-match ODI contest. The second ODI is scheduled to be played on Thursday, November 6, at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.

Pakistan chased down the target in 49.4 overs

Pakistan chased down the target of 264 easily in 49.4 overs, securing the win with tow wickets to spare. Alongside Agha and Rizwan’s impressive fifty, Fakhar Zaman contributed 45 off 57, Saim Ayub 39 of 42 balls, and Hussain Talat added 22 off 25.

Lungi Ngidi picked two wickets and conceded 46 runs in his 9 overs, while Donovan Ferreira claimed 2 for 53 in 9 overs, Corbin Bosch also struck twice, finishing with figures of 2 for 32 in 6.4 overs. George Linde (1 for 49 in 8 overs) and Bjorn Fortuin (1 for 38 in 10 overs) chipped in with a wicket each.

South Africa posted a total of 263

Batting first, South Africa posted a total of 263 on the board before being bowled out by Shaheen Shah Afridi’s men in the final over of their innings.

Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock (63 runs off 71 balls) was the top run-scorer for the South Africa, while opener Lhuan-dre Pretorious scored 57 runs from 60 balls, skipper Breetzke scored 42 runs in 54 balls, and all-rounder Corbin Bosch (41 runs off 40 balls).

For Pakistan, Naseem Shah (3 for 40 in 9.1 overs) and Abrar Ahmed (3 for 53 in 9 overs) led the way with three wickets each. Saim Ayub also impressed with figures of 2 for 39 from 8 overs, while Shaheen Afridi (1 for 55 in 10 overs) and Mohammad Nawaz (1 for 45 in 10 overs) contributed a wicket apiece.