Full Highlights | Pakistan vs South Africa | Tri-Nation Series ODI, 2025 | PCB | MR1K
Full Highlights | Pakistan vs South Africa | Tri-Nation Series ODI 2025 | PCB | MR1K (1000 Words)
The Tri-Nation Series 2025 continued with an electrifying clash between Pakistan and South Africa, hosted under the umbrella of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This was not just another ODI; it was a statement game for both sides—Pakistan aiming to assert dominance on home soil and South Africa seeking to fine-tune their combination ahead of major ICC events. What unfolded was a rollercoaster of emotions, a high-quality display of modern one-day cricket packed with power hitting, tactical bowling, and tense moments that kept fans glued till the final ball.
Toss and Team News
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bat first under bright Lahore skies, confident that the flat Gaddafi Stadium pitch would favor run-making early on. Pakistan fielded a strong XI, with Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, and Babar Azam forming the top three. Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, and Iftikhar Ahmed provided middle-order stability, while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf spearheaded the bowling attack.
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, also opted for an aggressive lineup. Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Rassie van der Dussen formed the backbone of their batting, while Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Tabraiz Shamsi led the bowling department.
Pakistan’s Power-Packed Start
Pakistan got off to a flying start as Fakhar Zaman looked in supreme touch. His signature pull shots and powerful drives thrilled the home crowd. South Africa’s pacers tried to extract bounce, but the conditions favored batting. Fakhar and Imam added 84 runs for the first wicket, setting a solid base.
Rabada broke the stand with a sharp bouncer that Imam top-edged to fine leg for 37. Babar Azam then walked in to a roar from the crowd. The skipper, calm and composed, rotated strike efficiently while Fakhar continued attacking. Their partnership flourished as Pakistan reached 150/1 in 25 overs.
Just as Fakhar neared his century, Coetzee trapped him LBW for a fluent 92 off 88 balls, a knock laced with 10 boundaries and 2 sixes. The dismissal slowed Pakistan briefly, but Rizwan’s arrival injected new energy.
Middle-Order Acceleration
Babar and Rizwan continued their trademark partnership—full of smart singles and perfectly timed boundaries. Babar reached yet another fifty, combining elegance with precision. Rizwan too found his rhythm, dispatching Shamsi and Maharaj to the ropes with ease.
At 220/2 after 38 overs, Pakistan looked set for a massive total. However, a mini-collapse followed. Babar was caught behind off Rabada for 68, and Rizwan soon followed for 44. Agha Salman and Iftikhar Ahmed, however, ensured the momentum didn’t fade. They added quick runs at the death, punishing South Africa’s seamers.
Pakistan ended their innings at 308/7 in 50 overs, a competitive total. Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with 3/58, while Coetzee claimed two wickets.
South Africa’s Rocky Start
Chasing 309, South Africa faced early heat from Pakistan’s new-ball pair. Shaheen Afridi was lethal with the new ball, swinging it both ways. He dismissed Reeza Hendricks for a duck and later bowled a peach to remove Markram for 12.
At 28/2, the Proteas were in trouble. But Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen stabilized the innings with a 78-run stand. De Kock’s attacking intent forced Pakistan to rethink their lengths. He struck Shaheen for two sixes over midwicket, but Haris Rauf returned to dismiss him for 61 off 58 balls—a crucial breakthrough.
The Middle-Order Battle
Van der Dussen anchored the innings well, finding boundaries at regular intervals. He built a strong 60-run partnership with David Miller, who brought his experience to the chase. The duo targeted the spinners—Usama Mir and Agha Salman—but Babar Azam’s rotation of pacers kept pressure intact.
Rauf, bowling with serious pace, got Miller caught at deep square leg for 47, halting the recovery. Soon after, Van der Dussen fell to Agha Salman for 74, edging one to Rizwan. At 210/6 in 40 overs, South Africa still needed 99 runs with their tail exposed.
Tense Finish and Pakistan’s Bowling Brilliance
Just when Pakistan looked comfortable, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj launched a counterattack. Jansen’s fearless hitting brought South Africa back into the contest. He smashed two sixes off Iftikhar and took the game deep.
With 32 needed off 18 balls, Shaheen returned for his final spell. He bowled with exceptional control, conceding only 5 runs in the over and removing Jansen for 33. Rauf then sealed the game by bowling Coetzee with a fiery yorker.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 289 in 49.3 overs, falling short by 19 runs.
Top Performers
Pakistan:
Fakhar Zaman – 92 (88)
Babar Azam – 68 (75)
Mohammad Rizwan – 44 (40)
Shaheen Afridi – 3/49
Haris Rauf – 3/52
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock – 61 (58)
Rassie van der Dussen – 74 (85)
Kagiso Rabada – 3/58
Player of the Match
The Player of the Match award deservedly went to Fakhar Zaman for his explosive 92-run knock that set the platform for Pakistan’s victory. His intent at the top made the difference between a par and a match-winning total.
Post-Match Reactions
Babar Azam praised his team’s all-round effort, saying, “We executed our plans perfectly. Fakhar’s innings gave us momentum, and our bowlers held their nerve under pressure. These are the kind of matches that prepare us for big tournaments.”
South African skipper Aiden Markram acknowledged Pakistan’s dominance, adding, “We fought well but lost crucial moments. Credit to Fakhar and their pacers—they were top class today.”
Conclusion
In the end, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling and composed batting earned them a hard-fought 19-run victory in a high-quality contest. This win not only strengthened their position in the Tri-Nation Series table but also showcased their depth and adaptability in all departments.
From Fakhar’s fireworks to Shaheen’s late strikes, the match was a true exhibition of Pakistan’s cricketing prowess—exciting, emotional, and full of heart.
Final Result: Pakistan won by 19 runs.
Series Standing: Pakistan top the points table with two consecutive wins.
