South Africa secured a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in a high-scoring One Day International at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg yesterday. The hosts chased down a daunting target of 342 runs, with captain Aiden Markram smashing an unbeaten 106 off 84 balls, supported by Rassie van der Dussen’s 101 not out. Pakistan, batting first, posted 341-7, with Fakhar Zaman top-scoring with 117 runs. The match marked South Africa’s first series win over Pakistan in eight attempts, with the Proteas taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The victory also marked a significant milestone for Markram, who became the first South African captain to score a century in a successful run chase. The final match of the series will be played in Cape Town on Sunday.
South Africa Dominates Pakistan by 74 Runs in Johannesburg
South Africa secured a commanding 74-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The hosts posted a formidable total of 341 for 6 after electing to bat first, with David Miller top-scoring with 82 runs off 65 balls.
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly, with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman putting on 68 runs for the first wicket. However, the middle order collapsed dramatically, with only Mohammad Rizwan offering resistance with a fighting 72 off 68 deliveries. The visitors were eventually dismissed for 267 in 48.3 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers delivered a clinical performance, with Kagiso Rabada and Andile Phehlukwayo taking three wickets each. Rabada was particularly impressive, conceding just 32 runs from his 9.3 overs. Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed admitted his team’s middle-order batting was the key factor in their loss.
The victory extends South Africa’s dominance in the ODI format, with the team now boasting a 13-4 record against Pakistan at home. The second ODI is scheduled for Sunday at the same venue, with South Africa aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
Historic Victory for South Africa in High-Scoring Thriller
South Africa secured a historic 74-run victory over Pakistan in a high-scoring thriller at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The Proteas posted a mammoth 428 for 5 in their 50 overs, with captain Aiden Markram top-scoring with 126 runs. Pakistan, in reply, were dismissed for 354 runs in 49.3 overs.
Markram’s century, his fourth in ODIs, set the stage for South Africa’s dominant total. He was well-supported by Rassie van der Dussen, who scored 92 runs off 76 balls. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the home side, with Shaheen Afridi the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 78.
In pursuit of 429 for victory, Pakistan’s openers provided a solid start. Imam-ul-Haq scored 87 runs off 92 balls, while Abdullah Shafique contributed 78 runs. However, the Proteas’ bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi’s 4 for 65, kept the pressure on the visitors.
The match was a spectacle of high-quality cricket, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. South Africa’s victory is their largest in terms of runs against Pakistan in ODIs. The win also marks a significant milestone for the Proteas, who have now won seven consecutive ODIs at home.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged the defeat but praised his team’s fighting spirit. “We fought hard, but credit to South Africa for playing exceptionally well,” he said post-match. The Proteas, meanwhile, will look to continue their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.
Pakistan's Bowling Attack Falls Short Against South African Batsmen
South Africa secured a commanding 74-run victory over Pakistan in a thrilling encounter at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The hosts posted a formidable total of 341 runs for six wickets in their 50 overs, with skipper Aiden Markram leading the charge. Pakistan, in response, fell short at 267 all out in 49.3 overs, despite a valiant effort from Mohammad Rizwan.
Markram anchored South Africa’s innings with a composed century, scoring 104 runs off 95 balls. His knock included nine fours and three sixes, providing the foundation for the Proteas’ imposing total. Quinton de Kock contributed a quickfire 68 off 48 deliveries, accelerating the scoring in the latter stages of the innings.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the South African batsmen, with only Shaheen Afridi managing to pick up three wickets. The pace bowler conceded 67 runs in his 10 overs, reflecting the challenges faced by the visiting team. South Africa’s bowlers, on the other hand, maintained consistent pressure, with Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje each taking three wickets.
Rizwan top-scored for Pakistan with 68 runs off 75 balls, but his dismissal in the 37th over marked a turning point. The middle order failed to capitalize on the platform set by the openers, with only Iftikhar Ahmed (42) offering notable resistance. South Africa’s bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, restricting Pakistan’s scoring opportunities.
The victory extends South Africa’s unbeaten streak in the series, with two matches remaining. Pakistan will need to regroup and address their bowling concerns to level the series. The next encounter is scheduled for Sunday, with the hosts aiming to maintain their dominant form.
South Africa's All-Rounders Shine in Decisive Win
South Africa secured a commanding 74-run victory over Pakistan in the first ODI at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The hosts posted a formidable total of 343-7 in their 50 overs, with contributions throughout the batting lineup. Pakistan, in reply, fell short at 269 all out, despite a valiant effort from their middle order.
Quinton de Kock set the tone for South Africa, scoring a rapid 62 off 47 balls at the top of the order. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen both contributed half-centuries, with Markram scoring 74 and van der Dussen 60. David Miller played a crucial late cameo, smashing 46 off 26 balls to propel the Proteas to their imposing total.
Pakistan’s chase began brightly, with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman putting on 78 for the first wicket. However, South Africa’s bowlers fought back, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje taking three wickets each. Rabada finished with figures of 3-39, while Nortje claimed 3-45.
South Africa’s all-rounders played a pivotal role in the victory. Andile Phehlukwayo took 2-43 with the ball and scored a quick 25 not out with the bat. Dwaine Pretorius also made an impact, scoring 24 not out and taking 1-35. Captain Faf du Plessis praised the team’s all-round effort, stating, “Everyone contributed today. That’s what makes this team special.”
The victory extends South Africa’s dominant home record, with the team now boasting an impressive 25 wins in their last 27 ODIs at the Wanderers. The second ODI of the three-match series will take place at the same venue on Saturday.
Johannesburg Witnesses a Spectacular Showdown Between Cricket Rivals
South Africa secured a commanding 74-run victory over Pakistan in a thrilling encounter at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The hosts posted a formidable total of 341 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 50 overs, powered by a stellar century from captain Aiden Markram. Pakistan, in response, fell short at 267 all out, despite a valiant effort from their top order.
Markram anchored South Africa’s innings with a composed 115 runs off 119 balls, laced with 12 boundaries. His partnership with Rassie van der Dussen, who contributed a quickfire 62 off 45 deliveries, laid the foundation for the home team’s imposing total. Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the South African batsmen, with only Shaheen Afridi managing to pick up three wickets.
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly, with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam putting on a 100-run stand. However, the introduction of South Africa’s spin duo, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, disrupted the momentum. Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 for 56, while Shamsi chipped in with 3 for 45.
Despite a late flurry from Mohammad Rizwan, who scored a quick 45 not out off 27 balls, Pakistan’s target proved to be beyond reach. The defeat leaves Pakistan with a daunting task ahead in the remaining matches of the series. South Africa, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum in the upcoming fixtures.
South Africa’s commanding performance in Johannesburg has set the tone for the upcoming matches in the series. With two more ODIs and a T20I to follow, Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and level the series. The Proteas, meanwhile, will look to build on this momentum and secure a series whitewash. The next encounter will take place at the same venue on 14 April, with Pakistan needing a victory to keep their hopes alive in the five-match series.
