When Pakistan cricket team walked out onto the National Stadium, Karachi on February 12, 2025, the stakes were crystal clear – a win would lock them into the final of the Pakistan Tri‑Series 2025 against New Zealand. The rival was the South Africa cricket team, who had just won the toss and elected to bat first. In a match where runs flew like fireworks, captain Mohammad Rizwan and newcomer Salman Ali Agha stitched a record‑breaking 260‑run partnership, turning a daunting 352‑run target into a historic victory.
Match preview and squad changes
Pakistan’s lineup for the do‑or‑die clash featured a blend of experienced firepower and fresh legs. Opening the innings was Fakhar Zaman, followed by the ever‑reliable Babar Azam. The middle order was bolstered by Saud Shakeel and the wicket‑keeping captain Mohammad Rizwan. Pace was led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, while the spin duo of Salman Ali Agha and Tayyab Tahir completed the XI.
Two notable omissions raised eyebrows: fast bowler Haris Rauf was ruled out with a niggling injury, and all‑rounder Kamran Ghulam was dropped in favour of a more balanced side. According to team coach, the changes were aimed at giving the squad a clearer path toward the upcoming Champions Trophy.
South Africa’s first innings
Electing to bat, South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma opened with Tony de Zorzi. Early wickets fell, but a resilient 78‑run stand between Matthew Breetzke and Kyle Verreynne steadied the innings. The real engine, however, was the 112‑run knock by Wicket‑keeper Heinrich Klaasen.
Spin duo Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi tried to lock down the run‑flow, but the Karachi outfield, described by former cricketer Aamer Sohail as “lightning‑quick”, made fielding a sprint rather than a save.
South Africa posted a formidable 352‑run total for five wickets in 50 overs, setting what looked like an almost impossible chase for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s record‑breaking chase
From the very first ball, the openers sensed the urgency. Fakhar Zaman fired a blistering 84 off 69 balls, while Babar Azam anchored with a composed 48. By the end of the 15th over, Pakistan were 150 for two, thanks to a 105‑run partnership.
Then came the partnership that will be talked about for years. Captain Mohammad Rizwan, who had already contributed 27, paired up with Salman Ali Agha. Together they gorged on 260 runs off just 220 balls, ripping boundaries at will and rotating the strike with surgical precision. Rizwan, unbeaten on 136, and Agha, still not out on 124, carried Pakistan home with an over to spare, finishing at 355 for four.
The chase not only secured a six‑wicket win but also etched a new record for the highest partnership in a successful ODI chase in Pakistani history.
Key performances and statistics
- Pakistan’s chase: 355/4 in 49 overs – highest successful chase at National Stadium, Karachi.
- Rizwan‑Agha partnership: 260 runs, highest 2nd‑wicket stand in ODIs.
- South Africa’s top scorer: Heinrich Klaasen 112 off 105 balls.
- Best bowler for Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi 3/88.
- Combined run tally: 707 runs – one of the highest aggregate scores in a tri‑series match.
Implications for the final
With the win, Pakistan book their place in the final against New Zealand on February 14. The victory revives confidence after a 78‑run disappointment in the opener against the same opponent. Analysts now rate Pakistan’s overall team composition at 8.5/10, highlighting a pace attack rated 9/10 and a spin unit also at 9/10 – a stark contrast to South Africa’s 7/10 rating, where spin was deemed the weakest link.
Coach Aaqib Javed hinted that the partnership between Rizwan and Agha will be a template for the final, especially on batting‑friendly surfaces. Moreover, the win gives Pakistan a psychological edge; they have now beaten a higher‑ranked side while chasing a daunting total, a scenario New Zealand will have to prepare for.
Background: Pakistan Tri‑Series 2025
The tri‑series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, was launched in early February as a preparatory platform ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. All three teams agreed to field near‑full strength sides, making each match a litmus test for player form and tactical tweaks.
Pakistan’s opening loss to New Zealand (331/6) exposed a fragile middle order under spin pressure. In response, the team management reshuffled the XI, promoting Agha and dropping Rauf, a decision vindicated by today’s result. South Africa, on the other hand, entered the match on a two‑match winning streak, hoping the chase would cement their spot in the final.
The National Stadium in Karachi, with an average ODI score of 290 over the past five years, has earned a reputation for favouring batsmen—especially when the outfield is dry and the dew sets in late evening, as Aamer Sohail warned. The pitch lived up to its reputation, providing even bounce for pacers and subtle turn for spinners.
Looking ahead
All eyes now turn to the February 14 showdown. New Zealand will be eager to reverse their earlier loss, while Pakistan will aim to ride the momentum of their record chase. Fans can expect another high‑octane encounter, with the Champions Trophy berth hanging in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pakistan’s win affect their Champions Trophy preparation?
The victory boosts confidence and solidifies the top‑order combination of Rizwan, Zaman and Azam. It also gives the management a clear view of which bowling combinations work on batting‑friendly pitches, a crucial insight ahead of the Champions Trophy later this year.
What made the partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha so effective?
Both players displayed excellent shot selection and rotated the strike flawlessly. Rizwan’s experience allowed him to read the bowlers, while Agha’s aggressive yet measured approach kept the scoreboard ticking. The flat Karachi pitch also reduced the risk of bounce, letting them play their natural attacking game.
Why did South Africa lose despite a solid total?
The outfield at the National Stadium made boundary chances easy, and Pakistan’s middle order chased down the required run‑rate without a major wobble. South Africa’s spinners, particularly Tabraiz Shamsi, struggled for turn on the hard surface, limiting their ability to break the partnership.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming final?
For Pakistan, captain Mohammad Rizwan and the in‑form opener Fakhar Zaman will be crucial, alongside pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi. New Zealand will rely on veteran batsman Kane Williamson and the swing bowler Tim Southee to turn the tide.
What does the pitch condition at Karachi suggest for future ODIs?
The venue favours high scores, with a quick outfield and a hard, even bounce. Teams that field strong top‑order batsmen and adaptable bowlers—especially those who can exploit any late‑evening dew—tend to succeed there.