All-rounder Salman Ali Agha won hearts after sharing his Player of the Match award with young opener Saim Ayub following Pakistan's thrilling three-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series.
In only his seventh ODI appearance, Ayub played an explosive knock, smashing his second ODI century with a brilliant 109 runs off 108 balls.
Agha’s all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade.
The modest player dedicated the award to Ayub, acknowledging the significance of the young opener’s contribution. He said during the post-match presentation:
“We were in a tricky position, but we took it one over at a time and built it from there. His (Ayub’s) knock set up the game. He was there with the new ball and was running out of partners. The way he played the fast bowlers and scored a hundred on this pitch was amazing.”
Reflecting on the challenge, Ayub said, “Obviously, it is difficult. We were four down, and on this track, you need to keep the belief. He (Agha) is more experienced than me and was guiding me.”
Pakistan’s chase faltered early with the loss of four wickets for just 60 runs. However, Ayub’s brisk 109 off 108 balls and Agha’s steady 82* off 90 guided Pakistan to a commanding 141-run partnership, which shifted the momentum firmly in Pakistan's favor.
Despite a late collapse, Agha kept his composure, sealing the win with a boundary in the final over as Pakistan reached 242/7 in 49.3 overs.
Earlier, South Africa managed 239/9 in their 50 overs, with a crucial 73-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (86 off 97) and Aiden Markram (35 off 54).
Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi provided a solid start with a 70-run opening stand, but Pakistan's spinners, led by Agha, dismantled the middle order.
Abrar Ahmed contributed with two wickets, while Shaheen Afridi and Ayub claimed one each.
With this victory, Pakistan takes a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI is scheduled to take place tomorrow in Cape Town.
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
