PAARL: Despite dragging Pakistan out of trouble and taking them across the line in the three-wicket win over South Africa at Boland Park on Tuesday, middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha gave opener Saim Ayub the credit for setting it up for the visitors.
Coming into bat in the 17th over with Pakistan reeling at 4-60 while chasing 240, Salman constructed a 141-run partnership with Saim and went on to smash an unbeaten 82 off 90 to add up to his bowling exploits of 4-32.
Aided by Salman’s calming presence, Saim gave a vivid display of his prodigious talent with a classy century, his second ton in his seventh ODI.
In the post-match presentation, Salman said he wanted to give his player-of-the-match away to Saim.
“His knock set up the game, if he didn’t play we wouldn’t have won,” said the right-hander. “We were behind but he scored 100 and it was an amazing feat, hence he deserves the award.”
Saim, meanwhile, appreciated Salman’s “experience and company” during the match-winning partnership.
The 22-year-old Saim hit his second ton in his seventh ODI with an elegant 109 off 119 balls to lay the foundation for the win as Pakistan scored 242-7 with three balls to spare in reply to South Africas 239-9 in their 50 overs.
His stand with Salman turned the game in Pakistan’s favour as they struggled initially to score and fell behind the required run rate as South Africa’s bowlers held early sway.
Saim battered South Africa quick Ottniel Baartman for 17 runs in four balls in the 35th over to kick start the chase and offer Pakistan sight of the finish line.
Saim, who struck 10 fours and three sixes, holed out to a catch at deep fine leg off Kagiso Rabada, with 39 runs needed and eight overs remaining.
Two more wickets then fell quickly to put the brakes on Pakistan’s march, and offered home fans hope of an unlikely comeback, but Salman’s knock saw Pakistan home in a close finish.
“We just wanted to take the game as deep as possible and get the boundary when available,” Salman said of his partnership with Saim. “I think Saim’s innings was amazing — one of the best I’ve seen in a very long time. The way he batted at such a young age, was outstanding.
“He’s so young, yet so mature. Normally, players at his age don’t have such composure, but he’s an outstanding talent. What stood out today was his calmness. He knew exactly what to do in a pressure situation, which is rare for someone his age. He’s one for the future.”
Heinrich Klaasen made 86 off 97 balls in South Africa’s total of 239 for nine but was forced to play more conservatively than usual after the innings stalled against Salman’s off-spin.
South Africa made a rapid start with Tony de Zorzi (33) and Ryan Rickelton (36) putting on 70 for the first wicket inside the 10-over power play.
