South Africa sets 353-run target for Pakistan

Karachi, February 12, 2025: In a key match of the ongoing tri-series, South Africa has set Pakistan a challenging target of 353 runs to win. The match, held at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi, will determine who advances to face New Zealand in the final on February 14.

South Africa batted first and put up a strong total of 353 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. Apart from Vian Mulder, all South African batsmen contributed significantly to the total.

Temba Bavuma top-scored with 82 runs before being dismissed. Tony de Zorzi played a quick knock of 22 runs, while debutant Matthew Brezké, who had previously scored 150 runs in his debut match, continued his fine form, adding 83 runs. Heinrich Klaasen contributed with an aggressive 87 runs off 56 balls, hitting 3 sixes and 11 fours. Kyle Verreynne made 44 runs, and Corbin Bosch remained not out at 15 runs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took 2 wickets, while Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah claimed one wicket each.

Pakistan made a couple of changes to their lineup, with Mohammad Hasnain replacing the injured Haris Rauf and Saud Shakeel coming in for Kamran Ghulam.

South Africa also made four changes to their playing XI, bringing in Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj.

Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, stated that this is a great opportunity for the team before the Champions Trophy. He emphasized that their previous series victory against South Africa was in the past, and winning this match would give them crucial momentum for the upcoming final.

South African captain Temba Bavuma also expressed confidence, noting that playing this match before the Champions Trophy is an excellent opportunity. He added that Klaasen’s return to the side has boosted the team’s confidence and mentioned that it would be challenging for fast bowlers to take wickets on this pitch.

Pakistan Team: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

South African Team: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Brezké, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne, Vian Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi