Rizwan and Agha Shine as Pakistan Complete Their Highest-Ever ODI Run Chase
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha starred as Pakistan pulled off their highest-ever successful run chase in ODIs, chasing down 353 runs with six wickets to spare.
The thrilling win also secured Pakistan’s spot in the final of the tri-nation series, where they will face New Zealand on Friday, 14th February.
Rizwan and Agha’s massive partnership was the cornerstone of Pakistan’s successful chase, as they set a record 260-run stand for the fourth wicket, coming together when the team was struggling at 91/3.
Rizwan, the Pakistan captain, smashed his fourth ODI century, finishing on an unbeaten 122*, while Agha scored a career-first century in the format, making 134 runs. Their partnership not only set a new record for the highest fourth-wicket stand in Pakistan’s ODI history but also ensured the highest successful chase in the team’s ODI history, surpassing their previous best of 349 runs against Australia in 2022.
Pakistan’s Highest Successful ODI Run Chases:
| Score | Target | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 355/4 | 353 | South Africa | 2025 |
| 349/4 | 349 | Australia | 2022 |
| 345/4 | 345 | Sri Lanka | 2023 |
| 337/3 | 337 | New Zealand | 2023 |
| 329/7 | 327 | Bangladesh | 2014 |
After South Africa chose to bat first, Temba Bavuma (82), Matthew Breetzke (83), and Heinrich Klaasen (87) were aggressive, with the Pakistan bowlers struggling to contain the Proteas. Kyle Verreynne added a useful 44 runs, helping South Africa post a formidable total of 352/5 in their 50 overs.
Pakistan’s chase began strongly with a 57-run opening partnership between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. However, they soon found themselves at 91/3, losing Azam, Zaman, and Saud Shakeel in a span of just four overs.
That’s when Rizwan and Agha combined to take control of the game. Rizwan played the role of anchor, while Agha was aggressive, and together they dominated the South African bowlers. The partnership was broken in the penultimate over when Lungi Ngidi dismissed Agha for 134, but by then, Pakistan had already done enough to seal the victory.
Pakistan will now face New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation series on Friday, February 14, in Karachi, before turning their focus to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
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