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Pakistan have scripted history during their clash against South Africa in the ODI tri-series. The home side was on their edges during the do-or-die clash against the Proteas, which determined their chances to reach the final of the tri-series against New Zealand.
Mohammed Rizwan and Salman Agha’s counterattack led Pakistan to a brilliant win
South Africa made a mammoth total of 352/5 in their 50 overs to further corner Pakistan in the contest, but the home side made a sensational comeback in the match with the bat due to a towering partnership between Mohammed Rizwan and Salman Agha which paved the win for a famous triumph for Pakistan over South Africa by 6 wickets and keep their prospects alive in the tri-series for the time being. In light of their recent majestic run-chase to reach the final of the ODI tri-series, here is a list of the top 5 successful run-chase for Pakistan in 50-over cricket.
Top 5 highest successful run-chases for Pakistan in ODIs
(1) Counterattack in Karachi against South Africa:
South Africa managed to put together a gigantic total due to a combined batting effort with notable knocks from skipper Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Heinrich Klassen. The Proteas skipper led from the front to play an 82-run knock against Pakistan and gave the team a solid start. Breetzke and Klassen capitalized on the built momentum and scored 83 and 87 runs, respectively.
In response, Pakistan had a dreadful start during the run-chase with early dismissals of Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel. Fakhar Zaman also departed early in the innings, leaving the Pakistani innings hanging in the balance at 91/3 in 10.4 overs. But Rizwan and Salman had plans of their own. The two batters kept the flow of runs steady and built a solid partnership to salt their team through in the crucial match. Rizwan hammered a brilliant knock of an unbeaten 122 runs off 128 balls to hold the fall of wickets from one end and allow Salman to play some emphatic shots and score a remarkable 134 runs off 103 balls to carve a successful run-chase for the home side.
(2) Triumph against Australia:
Pakistan pulled off a remarkable run chase against Australia in the second ODI at Lahore on March 31, 2022, securing a thrilling six-wicket victory with six balls to spare. Chasing a daunting target of 349, Pakistan’s batting lineup delivered a clinical performance, spearheaded by captain Babar’s sensational 114 off just 83 balls. His commanding knock, featuring 11 fours and a six, set the tone for the successful pursuit.
Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq provided a solid foundation with a well-constructed 106 off 97 balls, while Fakhar’s 67 off 64 ensured Pakistan maintained a strong scoring rate. Despite losing Rizwan for 23, Khushdil Shah, who played a blistering cameo of 27 runs expertly applied the finishing touches off just 17 balls.
Pakistan’s aggressive yet calculated approach allowed them to chase down the target in 49 overs, finishing at 349/4 with an impressive run rate of 7.12. The victory highlighted their batting depth and ability to perform under pressure, marking one of their highest-ever successful chases in ODI history.
(3) A famous win in Hyderabad against Sri Lanka:
Pakistan pulled off a record-breaking run chase against Sri Lanka in the 8th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Hyderabad, successfully overhauling a daunting 345-run target with six wickets in hand and ten balls to spare. A phenomenal unbeaten 131 off 121 balls from Rizwan, who played a composed yet aggressive knock, anchored the chase, guiding Pakistan to victory while also earning the Player of the Match award. His innings, laced with eight fours and three sixes, showcased his ability to handle pressure and accelerate when needed.
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(4) Remarkable win against New Zealand:
Pakistan showcased a dominant batting display in a thrilling run chase against New Zealand in the 2nd ODI at Rawalpindi on April 29, 2023, successfully overhauling a daunting 337-run target with seven wickets in hand and ten balls to spare. Fakhar played a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 180 off just 144 balls, anchoring the chase with remarkable composure and aggressive stroke play. His innings, studded with 17 fours and 6 sixes, not only propelled Pakistan to victory but also cemented his status as one of the finest ODI openers.
With a calculated approach, Pakistan maintained a healthy run rate throughout the innings, ultimately reaching 337/3 in 48.2 overs. This successful chase highlighted their depth in batting and their ability to handle pressure in high-scoring encounters, securing a memorable victory over New Zealand.
(5) The Mirpur master-class:
Pakistan pulled off a thrilling run chase against Bangladesh in the 8th match of the 2014 Asia Cup in Mirpur, successfully hunting down a massive target of 327 with three wickets in hand and just one ball to spare. Ahmed Shehzad, who played a sublime knock of 103 off 123 balls laid the foundation of the chase, anchoring the innings with crucial partnerships. Mohammad Hafeez, who contributed a fluent 52 off 55 balls well supported him, ensuring Pakistan stayed on track despite losing quick wickets in the middle overs.
The turning point of the chase came in the latter half, with Fawad Alam holding the innings together with a composed 74 off 70 balls. However, it was the explosive Shahid Afridi who changed the course of the game with a breathtaking 59 off just 25 deliveries, smashing seven sixes and two fours at a staggering strike rate of 236.00. His blistering knock brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory before he was run out in the 47th over. With 6 runs needed off the final over, Umar Akmal kept his cool to guide Pakistan home, sealing a dramatic win at 329/7 in 49.5 overs.
