Rizwan, Salman centuries power Pakistan into tri-series final

KARACHI: Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman delivered exceptional centuries, leading Pakistan to a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the tri-nation series final at the National Bank Stadium on Wednesday.

Their remarkable partnership enabled Pakistan to successfully chase down a formidable target of 353 runs.

Pakistan comfortably defeated South Africa by six wickets.

Earlier, South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, along with Matthew Breetzke and Heinrich Klaasen, contributed significant half-centuries, propelling their team to a total of 352-5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Choosing to bat first, Bavuma provided a solid start, forming a 51-run opening partnership with Tony de Zorzi (22).

After the fall of the first wicket, Breetzke joined Bavuma at the crease, and together they amassed 119 runs for the second wicket, bringing the team's total to 170 before Bavuma was run out.

The South African captain scored 82 runs off 96 balls, featuring 13 boundaries.

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Heinrich Klaasen partnered with Breetzke, aggressively targeting the Pakistani bowlers and adding 68 runs in 56 balls before Khushdil Shah dismissed Klaasen.

Wiaan Mulder (2) was dismissed by Shaheen, but Kyle Verreynne and Klaasen then combined for a brisk 78 runs off 48 balls for the fifth wicket.

Klaasen finished with an impressive 87 runs from 56 balls, including 11 boundaries and three sixes, before Naseem Shah claimed his wicket.

Verreynne (44*) and Corbin Bosch (15) helped their team reach a total of 352-5 in their 50 overs.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi took two wickets, while Naseem Shah and Khushdil Shah each secured one wicket.