PAK vs SA [WATCH]: Salman Agha takes a sublime catch to dismiss Tony de Zorzi in the ODI tri-series

Shaheen Afridi has provided Pakistan with the much-needed breakthrough in the ODI tri-series, dismissing South Africa‘s opener Tony de Zorzi for 22 off 18 balls with Salman Agha taking an stunning catch in the first slip.

Salman Agha’s stunning grab gives Pakistan crucial breakthrough 

Afridi struck in his fourth over, removing De Zorzi with a well-directed length delivery outside off stump. The ball, pitched in the channel of uncertainty, straightened slightly off the surface, making it difficult for the left-handed batter to judge its movement.

De Zorzi, who had been looking fluent with three boundaries and a six, stayed back in his crease, hoping to guide the ball towards third man. However, his bat was away from his body, and he failed to cover the slight movement. The ball took a thick outside edge and flew towards first slip at an awkward height.

Salman, stationed at first slip, reacted instantly. The edge was heading to his right, forcing him to dive low and extend both hands. Despite the sharp deflection off the bat, he managed to grab the ball cleanly just inches off the turf, completing a superb reflex catch. The dismissal was a classic example of how a well-set field and disciplined bowling can force a mistake. Shaheen’s ability to create doubt in the batter’s mind, coupled with Salman’s exceptional catching skills, gave Pakistan a crucial early wicket, breaking South Africa’s opening stand at 51 runs.

Here’s the video:

Excellent catch at first slip! 👏@iShaheenAfridi once again strikes first for Pakistan ☝️#3Nations1Trophy | #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/bwpbp6ARph

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 12, 2025

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Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke lead South Africa’s solid start 

South Africa opted to bat first in a high-stakes clash against Pakistan, aiming for a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand. Their top order responded with intent, reaching 160/1 in 25.6 overs, with Temba Bavuma leading from the front. The South African skipper showcased a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 76 off 87 balls, striking 13 boundaries with precision.

His opening partner, De Zorzi, provided early momentum with a quickfire 22 off 18 before edging one to Salman at slip off Afridi’s bowling. Matthew Breetzke then joined Bavuma and kept the scoreboard ticking with an impressive unbeaten 55 off 51 deliveries, anchoring a crucial 109-run stand for the second wicket.

Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to find breakthroughs, with Afridi being the lone wicket-taker. Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain kept things tight initially, but the lack of penetration allowed South Africa to dictate terms. With a projected score of 336, Pakistan will need a disciplined bowling effort to restrict the Proteas in the second half of the innings.

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