PAK vs SA: Pakistan produced a historic run chase, successfully overhauling a daunting 353-run target to defeat South Africa by six wickets and secure a place in the tri-series final.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha delivered stunning centuries, stitching together a record-breaking 260-run partnership, propelling their side to victory at a packed National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, February 12.

This emphatic win came after Pakistan's 78-run loss to New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, making their comeback against Temba Bavuma's Proteas even more significant.

Rizwan and Salman's stand surpassed Imran Farhat and Mohammad Hafeez's unbeaten 228-run partnership against Zimbabwe in 2011, setting a new benchmark for Pakistan's highest run-chase partnership. The team also shattered their previous best chase of 349 against Australia in Lahore (March 2022) and registered the highest fourth-wicket stand for Pakistan in ODIs, overtaking Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik's 206-run effort against India in 2009 at Centurion.

Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable 352/3, powered by a well-crafted 82-run knock from captain Temba Bavuma.

Matthew Breetzke, continuing his fine form after scoring 150 against New Zealand, contributed 83 off 84 balls, sharing a 119-run partnership with Bavuma for the second wicket.

The momentum continued with Heinrich Klaasen's explosive 87 off 56 balls, featuring 11 fours and three sixes, while Kyle Verreynne's quickfire 44 off 32 added valuable runs at the death. Among Pakistan's bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi was the standout performer, finishing with 2/66 in 10 overs, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah chipped in with one wicket each.

Chasing 353, Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a blistering start with a 41-run knock, but Wiaan Mulder struck early to dismiss him.

Babar Azam, who looked in fine touch, managed 23 runs before falling to Mulder, and when Saud Shakeel departed for 15, Pakistan found themselves under pressure.

However, once Rizwan and Salman settled in, they took full control of the chase. Rizwan anchored the innings with a composed 122 off 128 balls*, striking nine fours and three sixes, while Salman played the aggressor, smashing 134 off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. Their partnership ensured Pakistan sealed victory with six balls to spare, marking a historic night in Karachi.