Salman Ali Agha & Mohammad Rizwan’s Centuries Propel Pakistan in High-Stakes Chase Against South Africa
In a thrilling run chase, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan delivered outstanding centuries, guiding Pakistan’s fightback against South Africa in the ongoing tri-series.
Match Overview: Pakistan’s Resurgence
Chasing a formidable target of 353, Pakistan was in trouble at 91 for 3 when Salman Ali Agha walked in. His partnership with Rizwan stabilized the innings, keeping Pakistan in contention for a historic victory.
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Salman Ali Agha’s Maiden ODI Century
Playing under immense pressure, Salman’s maiden ODI century was a masterclass in building an innings. He combined steady strike rotation with well-timed boundary hitting, ensuring Pakistan remained in the hunt.
Prior to this match, Salman had scored 736 ODI runs at an average of 40.88, with five half-centuries, but he had yet to reach the three-figure mark. This breakthrough performance not only cements his place in the team but also boosts his confidence ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Mohammad Rizwan’s Consistent Brilliance
At the other end, Mohammad Rizwan continued his stellar form with another dominant century. Known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, Rizwan kept the required run rate in check, balancing stability with controlled aggression.
His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries perfectly complemented Salman’s measured play, forming a match-defining partnership.
Historic Partnership in Pakistan’s ODI Records
The Salman-Rizwan duo recorded Pakistan’s 3rd highest ODI partnership, adding 260 runs against South Africa in Karachi.
Top ODI Partnerships for Pakistan
| Partners | Runs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman & Imam-ul-Haq | 304 | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | 20 July 2018 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq & Aamer Sohail | 263 | New Zealand | Sharjah | 20 April 1994 |
| Mohammad Rizwan & Salman Ali Agha | 260 | South Africa | Karachi | 12 February 2025 |
| Saleem Elahi & Abdul Razzaq | 257 | South Africa | Gqeberha | 11 December 2002 |
| Saeed Anwar & Ijaz Ahmed | 230 | India | Dhaka | 18 January 1998 |
A Crucial Performance Before the ICC Champions Trophy
This tri-series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, is a vital preparation phase ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
As Pakistan’s captain and vice-captain, Rizwan and Salman demonstrated their leadership and resilience. With Salman Ali Agha in top form, Pakistan will look to carry this momentum forward in their quest for glory.
