Pakistan faces a daunting task. They are pursuing a place in the tri-series final against New Zealand. South Africa posted a formidable 352/5 in Karachi. To secure victory, Pakistan will need to achieve their highest-ever successful run chase in ODI history.
South Africa’s innings was powered by stellar performances. Heinrich Klaasen scored 87 runs. Matthew Breetzke made 83 runs. Temba Bavuma scored 82, registering his best ODI score since September 2023. Breetzke began his international cricket career with an explosive start. He amassed a record 233 runs in his first two ODIs. This is the highest for any player in the format. Klaasen, in red-hot form, notched up his fourth consecutive score of 80 or more.
A Mixed Start Before an Explosive Finish
The Proteas started cautiously against Pakistan’s pace attack, with Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi keeping the batters in check. However, the introduction of spinner Abrar Ahmed allowed the South African innings to gain momentum. Tony de Zorzi struck the first six of the innings but soon perished to Afridi at slip.
Bavuma and Breetzke capitalized on Mohammad Hasnain’s short-pitched bowling, accelerating the scoring rate. Bavuma reached his fifty after 17 innings, while Breetzke’s aggressive approach put pressure back on the bowlers. A lifeline came when Bavuma, on 60, was dropped by Naseem Shah, allowing South Africa to consolidate further.
High Drama and Heated Exchanges
Afridi’s return in the 27th over led to some fiery exchanges between him and Breetzke. The fast bowler tried to impose himself. He even made contact with Breetzke during a single. This sparked a brief confrontation that required intervention from teammates and umpires.
Moments later, there was a mix-up between Bavuma and Breetzke. This mistake resulted in Bavuma being run out for 82 due to a sharp throw from Saud Shakeel. The South African captain’s disappointment was evident, as he missed out on a potential century.
Klaasen Sparks Late-Game Onslaught
With 21.5 overs remaining, South Africa still had plenty of firepower. Klaasen initially struggled but soon found his groove, hammering Hasnain for four boundaries in a single over. His onslaught reignited the innings, as he reached his half-century in 38 balls before shifting into an even higher gear. Afridi was on the receiving end of Klaasen’s brutality, conceding two monstrous sixes in a 20-run over.
South Africa plundered 110 runs in the final ten overs. Kyle Verreynne provided a strong finish with an unbeaten 44. Klaasen’s blistering 87 off 49 balls was crucial. It ensured the Proteas set an imposing total of 352/5. This is the fourth-highest ODI score recorded in Karachi.
Pakistan’s Uphill Battle
Now, all eyes turn to Pakistan’s chase. Their bowling unit struggled on a flat track without the injured Haris Rauf. Hasnain conceded 72 runs in his eight-over spell. The pressure now shifts to their batters. They will need to produce a historic performance to keep their tournament hopes alive. Can they pull off a record chase? Or will South Africa end their five-match losing streak and advance to the final? The answer lies in the chase ahead.
