Dhaka: Pakistan dismissed South Africa for 263 in 49.1 overs despite half-centuries from openers Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in the first one-day international on Tuesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, De Kock marked his return to ODIs after a two-year hiatus with a solid knock of 63, while debutant Pretorius contributed 57 as Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium hosted its first international match in 17 years.
The South African innings began on a promising note with De Kock and Pretorius establishing a 98-run partnership. However, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to rein in the visitors. Spinner Saim Ayub, with figures of 2-39, made crucial breakthroughs dismissing Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi.
Pace bowler Naseem Shah added to South Africa’s woes by claiming 3-40, including the wickets of De Kock and George Linde, as the team collapsed, losing their last six wickets for just 61 runs.
Skipper Matthew Breetzke attempted to steady the innings, scoring 42 off 54 balls, but his dismissal by spinner Abrar Ahmed dashed hopes of a more substantial total. Debutant Sinethemba Qeshile added 22 runs, forming a 44-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Breetzke, while Corbin Bosch’s quickfire 41 lower down the order provided some resistance.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, captaining Pakistan for the first time in an ODI, bowled Bosch. Abrar Ahmed ended with figures of 3-53, while Shaheen Afridi took 1-55, effectively restricting South Africa to 263 runs.