Saim Hundred and Salman’s all-round performance led Pakistan to ODI victory over South Africa

PAARL, South Africa (AP) — All-rounder Salman Agha’s career-best performance led Pakistan to their opening win over South Africa in their one-day international on Tuesday.

Salman’s unbeaten 82 from 90 balls rounded off Pakistan’s quick win by three wickets with three balls remaining.

This came after his half-time off-spin took the score to 4-32 and destroyed South Africa’s top position, beginning the Proteas’ gradual decline to a sub-par score of 239-9.

Pakistan’s 240 chaser found themselves in deep trouble at 60-4 in the 20th over. Then Salman was bowled behind the wickets for 6 by Aiden Markram. But he offered no further chance.

Salman initially supported opener Saim Ayub to save their team.

Saim, who was stranded on 98 not out in a Twenty20 last Friday, reached his second ODI century. He was out on 109 off 119 balls and was caught at fine leg after pulling Kagiso Rabada.

His and Salman’s partnership of 141 runs by the 42nd over took Pakistan to the brink of victory, with the run rate exceeding what was required.

But two more wickets fell and Salman had to wait mostly in the singles with the support of No. 9 batsman Naseem Shah to take Pakistan over the finish line on 242-7.

South Africa opted to bat first and openers Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton got off to a flying start with 70 for no loss at the end of the powerplay. But within four overs South Africa were 88-4 when Salman dismissed them and bowled Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs.

Heinrich Klaasen, supported by stand-in captain Markram, held the innings together with 86 off 97 balls until his middle stump was bowled over by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 45th over.

South Africa, which has its eye on the ensuing Test series in which it will try to reach the final of the World Test Championship, gave captain Temba Bavuma a rest and suffered a late withdrawal when spinner Keshav Maharaj sustained a groin injury just before the toss .

The second ODI will take place in Cape Town on Thursday.

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AP Cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket