South Africa vs Pakistan 2025: A Thrilling ODI at Karachi’s National Stadium
On February 12, 2025, Pakistan and South Africa locked horns in the third One Day International (ODI) match of the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, and it was an unforgettable clash. The match took place at the iconic National Stadium in Karachi, a venue that’s witnessed countless thrilling cricketing moments over the years.
Match Details:
Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM local time
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
A Big Chase and a Big Win for Pakistan
South Africa won the toss and decided to bat first, posting a daunting total of 352/5 in their 50 overs. The South African innings were built around solid performances from Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87). It seemed like the Proteas were in control, but Pakistan had other plans.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a rocky start with early wickets falling, leaving them at 91/3. But then came the turning point. Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan joined forces, and their partnership turned the match on its head. Agha’s brilliant century (134) and Rizwan’s steady 122 not out guided Pakistan to a thrilling six-wicket victory with six balls to spare. The chase was Pakistan’s highest successful ODI chase, adding another historic moment to the books.
Player of the Match
Salman Agha was the undisputed hero of the match, and deservedly earned the Player of the Match award. His composed and aggressive knock of 134 was the backbone of Pakistan’s successful chase, making sure they didn’t just survive but thrived under pressure.
Teams and Key Players
Pakistan’s squad:
Batsmen: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Tayyab Tahir
Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan (captain)
All-rounders: Faheem Ashraf, Kamran Ghulam
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf
South Africa’s squad:
Batsmen: Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs
Wicketkeeper: Kyle Verreynne
All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Jason Smith
Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Wiaan Mulder
The Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Karachi’s National Stadium is always a fantastic setting for cricket. Known for its electric atmosphere, it offers a pitch that tends to favor both batsmen and bowlers, ensuring we get to see exciting, competitive cricket.
What’s Next?
With the win, Pakistan stays in the hunt for the final of the Tri-Nation Series, which will be held on February 14, 2025. The outcome of the remaining group-stage matches will determine the finalists, and both teams will be eyeing the victory to set the tone for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The Tri-Nation Series has proven to be a valuable warm-up for both teams as they prepare for the Champions Trophy 2025. After this high-octane game, both Pakistan and South Africa will be looking to continue their winning ways as they head into more intense international battles.
