Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha delivered stunning performances, each scoring centuries and combining for a remarkable 260-run partnership, leading Pakistan to their highest-ever ODI run chase. They triumphed over South Africa by six wickets, securing a spot in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series on Wednesday.

Rizwan remained unbeaten on 122 from 128 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes, while Agha produced a powerful 134 off 103 balls, smashing 16 boundaries and two sixes. Their efforts helped Pakistan achieve a total of 355/4 in just 49 overs, successfully chasing down South Africa’s imposing score of 352/5 posted after they opted to bat first.

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The match’s combined score of 707 runs marks the highest aggregate in ODIs between South Africa and Pakistan. This victory is particularly sweet for Pakistan, who had suffered a defeat against New Zealand in their opening match, setting the stage for a revenge final against the Black Caps.

After a brisk 57-run opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman (41) and Babar Azam (23), Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 91/3, with Saud Shakeel being dismissed for just 15 runs.

It was then that Rizwan and Agha teamed up for an extraordinary partnership, guiding Pakistan toward victory. Their 260-run alliance is now the highest fourth-wicket partnership for Pakistan in ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 206 set by Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik.

Rizwan reached his century off 106 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes, while Agha followed suit, reaching his hundred off just 87 balls with an impressive 13 boundaries.

Both batsmen displayed excellent skills, with Rizwan showing caution and Agha playing aggressively. This partnership marked the second consecutive match in which South Africa conceded over 300 runs.

Agha was dismissed after being caught by Kyle Verreynne, who replaced Heinrich Klaasen behind the stumps during the 31st over. At that point, Pakistan was on 351, needing just four more runs to clinch victory.

Earlier, South Africa had set a formidable target, aided by solid performances from captain Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klaasen, all of whom scored half-centuries. Verreynne also contributed an unbeaten 44 runs off 32 balls, helping South Africa post a substantial total.

Bavuma scored 82, having shared a 51-run opening partnership with Tony de Zorzi (22), while Breetzke, who previously scored 150 on debut, added 83 runs off 83 deliveries. Klaasen, meanwhile, top-scored for the team with 87 runs off 58 balls, decorated with 11 fours and two sixes.

This impressive batting saw Bavuma and Breetzke combine for a 119-run partnership for the second wicket, and Breetzke and Klaasen adding 68 runs for the third wicket. Ultimately, however, their efforts fell short as Rizwan and Agha stole the spotlight with their remarkable innings.