Cricket is a game of moments—some heart-stopping, some exhilarating, and others simply unforgettable. When the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard in the 3rd ODI of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series on February 12, 2025, at the National Stadium in Karachi, fans were treated to a spectacle that will be talked about for years. This match wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was a story of resilience, record-breaking performances, and sheer determination. Let’s dive into the details of this epic clash, breaking down the scorecard and the key moments that defined it, in a way that’s easy for anyone to follow—whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or just curious about the game.

The Stage is Set South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The Pakistan ODI Tri-Series 2025 was a crucial warm-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, and this match was a virtual semi-final. The winner would secure a spot in the final against New Zealand, making the stakes sky-high. South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to set a challenging total on a pitch known for favoring batsmen. Pakistan, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, were ready to chase, banking on their strong batting lineup and home advantage.

The National Stadium in Karachi was buzzing with excitement. The crowd, a sea of green and gold, was ready for a contest that promised fireworks. Both teams made strategic changes to their lineups, with South Africa bringing in key players like Heinrich Klaasen and Keshav Maharaj, while Pakistan adjusted their squad, leaving out Haris Rauf and Kamran Ghulam. The stage was set for a classic ODI battle.

South Africa’s Batting: A Formidable Total

South Africa’s innings started with a steady approach. Openers Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma laid a solid foundation, with de Zorzi scoring 22 off 28 balls before falling to Shaheen Afridi in the 7.6th over. The score was 51/1, and Bavuma took charge, anchoring the innings with a composed 82 off 96 balls. His partnership with Matthew Breetzke was the cornerstone of South Africa’s innings, adding 119 runs for the second wicket. Breetzke, in only his second ODI, played a mature knock of 83 off 84 balls, including 9 fours and a six, showing why he’s a rising star in South African cricket.

The momentum shifted gears when Heinrich Klaasen walked in. Known for his aggressive batting, Klaasen didn’t disappoint. He smashed 87 off just 56 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes, including a 20-run over against Shaheen Afridi that featured back-to-back sixes. His explosive knock pushed South Africa past the 300-run mark. Kyle Verreynne (44 not out off 32 balls) and Corbin Bosch (15 not out off 9 balls) provided the finishing touches, helping South Africa reach a formidable 352/5 in their 50 overs. The final over alone yielded 19 runs, showcasing South Africa’s intent to set a daunting target.

Pakistan’s bowling struggled to contain the Proteas. Shaheen Afridi picked up two wickets but was expensive, conceding 76 runs in his 10 overs. Naseem Shah took one wicket, while Mohammad Hasnain went wicketless, leaking 80 runs. Khushdil Shah was the most economical, taking 1/28, but Pakistan’s fielding lapses, including a dropped boundary by Shaheen Afridi, added to their woes. South Africa’s batsmen capitalized on these errors, setting a target that seemed just out of reach.

Pakistan’s Chase: A Record-Breaking Effort

Chasing 353 was no small feat, but Pakistan approached the task with confidence. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam gave them a blazing start, putting on 57 runs in just 6.1 overs. Zaman scored a quick 25 before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch, and Babar Azam fell for 16 after a review confirmed a caught-behind decision. Saud Shakeel’s brief stay ended with 8 runs, leaving Pakistan at 91/3 after 10.4 overs. The stage was set for Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to take center stage.

What followed was nothing short of historic. Rizwan and Agha forged a monumental 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the largest South Africa had ever conceded in an ODI and Pakistan’s highest in a chase. Rizwan, the captain, played a calm, anchoring role, finishing unbeaten on 122 off 128 balls, with 10 fours and 2 sixes. His century, reached in 109 balls, was a masterclass in pacing a chase. Agha, on the other hand, was the aggressor, smashing 134 off 103 balls, including 12 fours and 4 sixes. His maiden ODI century, achieved in 87 balls, featured a 95-meter six off Wiaan Mulder that kept Pakistan ahead of the required run rate.

The partnership was a blend of grit and flair. Rizwan’s steady accumulation allowed Agha to take risks, like reverse-sweeping Tabraiz Shamsi for boundaries and lofting cover drives for sixes. By the 42nd over, both had reached their centuries, and their 200-run stand was celebrated with Rizwan running to the striker’s end, batless, arms aloft, cheering Agha’s milestone. Pakistan crossed 300, and the chase was no longer a possibility—it was inevitable.

The drama peaked in the final overs. With 10 runs needed off 12 balls, Agha hit Shamsi for a six and a four but was dismissed for 134 after a review confirmed a caught-behind. Tayyab Tahir, walking in with 2 runs needed, sealed the chase with a boundary off his first ball. Pakistan finished at 353/4 in 49 overs, completing their highest-ever ODI chase and securing a six-wicket victory with an over to spare.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Lungi Ngidi took 2/70, dismissing Babar and Agha, but the inexperience in their attack was evident. Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj each claimed a wicket, but spinners Senuran Muthusamy (0/36) and Tabraiz Shamsi (0/62) were expensive on a dew-laden pitch. Pakistan’s batsmen, particularly Rizwan and Agha, exploited these conditions, making the chase look effortless at times.

Key Moments and Milestones South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

This match was packed with moments that defined its intensity. Temba Bavuma’s run-out for 82, after a mix-up with Breetzke, was a turning point for South Africa, as it slowed their momentum briefly. However, Klaasen’s aggressive 87 ensured they posted a massive total. For Pakistan, the early loss of Babar Azam via a review was a setback, but Rizwan and Agha’s 260-run stand turned the game on its head. Their partnership broke multiple records, including Pakistan’s highest fourth-wicket stand and the largest successful ODI chase against South Africa.

The match also highlighted Pakistan’s fielding struggles, with dropped catches and misfields allowing South Africa to pile on runs. Conversely, South Africa’s inexperienced bowling attack couldn’t apply consistent pressure, especially in the middle overs, where Rizwan and Agha took control. The dew factor and a flat pitch made it tough for South Africa’s spinners, but Pakistan’s disciplined chase showcased their depth and determination.

The Scorecard: A Snapshot of the Action

Below is the detailed scorecard for the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard3rd ODI, capturing the essence of this thrilling encounter.

What Made This South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Special?

This match wasn’t just about numbers; it was about the heart and soul of cricket. Pakistan’s chase of 353 was a testament to their batting depth and mental toughness. Rizwan’s calm leadership and Agha’s fearless strokeplay showed how teamwork can overcome even the toughest challenges. For South Africa, despite the loss, the performances of Breetzke and Klaasen were highlights, proving their potential on the big stage.

The match also had its share of drama—reviews, run-outs, and fielding errors added to the tension. Pakistan’s ability to stay composed under pressure, especially after losing early wickets, was a lesson in resilience. For South Africa, the defeat highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in their bowling and fielding, as they head into future challenges like the SA20 and the Champions Trophy.

Looking Ahead

Pakistan’s victory secured their place in the tri-series final against New Zealand, sending a strong message to their rivals in the upcoming Champions Trophy. For South Africa, the loss was a setback, marking their sixth consecutive ODI defeat, but it also provided valuable lessons for their young squad. With players like Breetzke and Bosch showing promise, the Proteas have a foundation to build on.