FAISALABAD: Pakistan defeated South Africa by two wickets in the first One Day International (ODI) to take a 1–0 lead in the series.

Chasing a target of 264 runs, Pakistan reached the score in 49.4 overs with eight wickets down. Fakhar Zaman scored 45, Saim Ayub made 39, Mohammad Rizwan hit 55, Agha Salman added 62, and Hussain Talat contributed 22 runs.

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi, Donovan Ferreira, and Corbin Bosch claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, South Africa batted first and were all out for 263 runs in 49.1 overs. Quinton de Kock top-scored with 63, while Lhuan-dre Pretorius made 57, captain Matthew Breetzke scored 42, Corbin Bosch 41, Sinethemba Qeshile 22, and Tony de Zorzi 18.

From Pakistan’s bowling side, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed took three wickets each, Saim Ayub also claimed three, while Mohammad Nawaz and Shaheen Afridi picked up one wicket apiece.

The match marked the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years. Before the toss, Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi said the team was confident and motivated following their strong performance in the T20 series.

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