Pakistan has booked its place in the final of the tri-nation ODI series after a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa.

The final, set for February 14, will see Pakistan face off against New Zealand.

In the crucial match at Karachi’s National Stadium, South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. His team posted a formidable 352/5 in 50 overs.

Pakistan faced early setbacks in their run chase, but captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha’s heroics secured a historic victory.

Their record 260-run partnership powered Pakistan into the tri-series final against New Zealand on February 14.

Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman provided a solid start, but after the first wicket fell, two more followed quickly, making it seem like South Africa and New Zealand were set for the final. Babar looked confident but was dismissed after scoring 23 off 19 balls.

Saud Shakeel, who replaced Kamran Ghulam in the squad, managed just 15 runs, while Fakhar Zaman played an aggressive knock of 41 off 28 balls before departing.

Rizwan and Salman steady the ship

With Pakistan struggling, captain Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha took a cautious approach, stabilising the innings.

Once settled, they shifted gears and started attacking the bowlers.

Both players first reached their half-centuries and then converted them into centuries. Their 260-run stand set a new record for Pakistan’s highest fourth-wicket partnership in ODIs.

Salman and Rizwan shine

Salman Ali Agha scored his maiden ODI century, smashing 134 runs off 103 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes. He was dismissed in the final moments of the chase.

Rizwan remained unbeaten, scoring 122 off 128 balls with nine fours and three sixes, guiding Pakistan to a remarkable win.

For South Africa, Corbin Bosch took one wicket, while Wiaan Mulder claimed two.

Earlier, Matthew Breetzke, following his sensational 150-run debut innings, continued his form with 83 runs.

Captain Bavuma contributed 82, while Heinrich Klaasen smashed an aggressive 87 off 56 balls, hitting three sixes and 11 fours. Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten on 44, with Corbin Bosch adding 15 not out.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Khushdil Shah and Naseem Shah picked up one each.

Pakistan made two changes, bringing in Mohammad Hasnain for the injured Haris Rauf and Saud Shakeel for Kamran Ghulam.

South Africa also made four changes, introducing Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan emphasized the importance of the match, calling it a valuable opportunity ahead of the Champions Trophy. “Winning this will help us build momentum for the tournament,” he said.

South Africa’s Bavuma acknowledged the challenge, saying that the Karachi pitch wouldn’t be easy for fast bowlers but expressed confidence in his team’s depth, especially with Klaasen back in the lineup.

With this victory, Pakistan joins New Zealand in the final. Both South Africa and Pakistan had earlier suffered defeats at the hands of New Zealand, making this a do-or-die clash for the final spot.

Now, all eyes are on February 14, as Pakistan prepares to take on the Kiwis for the tri-series title at National Stadium, Karachi.

Pakistan squad: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa squad: Matthew Breetzke, Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.