SA vs PAK 2024/25, SA vs PAK 1st ODI match report, December 17, 2024

Pakistan 242 for 7 (Ayub 109, Agha 82*, Baartman 2-37) beaten South Africa 239 for 9 (Klaasen 86, Agha 4-32, Abrar 2-32) by 3 wickets

Pakistan’s long tail continues to be a problem, and Irfan Khan’s initial problem persists, so when the visitors found themselves 60 for 4 in the 20th over, the Ayub-Agha partnership was their last realistic chance at a victory unlikely. South Africa had the opportunity to slam the door in Pakistan’s face, but when Agha hit Aiden Markram on 6, Heinrich Klaasen had a good chance.

Gradually, imperceptibly at first, Pakistan began to come back into the game. Ayub, who had until then unusually given up at 31 off 57 at one point, began to find regular singles and doubles, as well only occasional limits. Agha is perhaps ideal for this kind of role, possessing the guile to knock down points even if punching power doesn’t come naturally to him.

As South Africa’s intensity and quality in this area declined, the partnership gradually grew, surpassing 50 and eventually surpassing three figures. Ayub, who had now acquired the kind of flair for which he is naturally known, turned the screw on Baartman, whose numbers until then had read 5-2-9-2. Two sixes and two fours brought down the asking rate under a ball before Ayub slapped Rabada for a majestic six at midwicket to bring up his second ODI hundred in three innings.

But with a long tail, there was an inevitable risk. Ayub had played with fire by helping him reach the boundaries of deep third and fine leg, and eventually ended up sneaking towards the latter. Kagiso Rabada, sensing an opportunity, picked up Irfan four deliveries later, and South Africa were in Pakistan’s tail.

Tabraiz Shamsi made short work of Shaheen Afridi, but Naseem and Agha realized the asking rate was under control and began methodically ticking off the final runs. There was an occasional frenzy, but Agha displayed the steel that has distinguished him since integrating so effectively into the team. He chose his moment, hitting Shamsi over the top for a six that brought the asking rate back under control. In the end, all Pakistan needed was singles, and there was still time to finish in style when Agha dismissed Jansen to seal the victory.

Agha’s rise to prominence in bowling was as sudden as it was unexpected. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickleton held their own in the first powerplay with over seven runs per over, easing the opening spell of Shaheen and Naseem without appearing to take any risks. Rizwan may have only introduced Agha into the attack to break the momentum, but it proved to be an inspired choice.

In four overs, South Africa’s batting line-up – as well as their advantage position – was reduced to nothing. It all started when Agha got one to skid over de Zorzi and trap him in front; no examination was necessary. Rickleton cut him one on his follow-up, but Agha would save the best for last. With the new batters suddenly unable to read it off the field or out of hand, Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs bowled for a spin that wasn’t there and heard the sound of their stump being pushed back.

Rizwan felt that Spin found a surprise catch here and brought out all the cavalry. Soon after, Abrar Ahmed passed by, while Ayub and Ghulam each took turns. But Markram and Klaasen were slowly beginning to regain control of Pakistan, working their way through the middlemen, hoping to hold on before going big at the death. But they knew the rounds were being played on a tightrope without a safety harness, and it took a mistake on a long jump from Ayub from Markram to bring them down.

With Jansen suffering greatly throughout his innings, it was up to Klaasen to salvage what he could from what was left. Pakistani tailors were also disciplined and spirited. This Jansen-Klaasen stand reached 50, but Jansen had only managed 10 of 27, and only got there thanks to the generosity of a cart dropped off by Haris Rauf. Klaasen tried to keep hammering and would have fully deserved a fifth ODI hundred, but Shaheen also deserved a wicket. It came via a beauty, stitching and knocking down Klaasen’s middle stump; the rattle may well have been the final nail in the coffin of the hosts’ innings.

Kagiso Rabada and Ottniel Baartman limped through the final overs, adding 21 for the 9th wicket, but Pakistan had by then inflicted much of the damage through Agha. Together with Ayub, they would ensure that the job was completed in a match that the two dominated so well that when Agha was awarded Player of the Match, he would invite Ayub to take it off instead.