“It’s a team game…”: Mohammad Rizwan comments on team effort as Pakistan create ODI history against South Africa

Soumyaroop Mukherjee

16 hours ago

New Delhi: One thing that always happens with any Pakistani side is the unpredictability which comes with their cricket. From facing a shocking World Cup defeat to minnows USA team to a home defeat against Bangladesh on their home turf, the team bounced back against England and Australia.

Now, the men in green have managed to shock the Proteas who themselves created history by defeating Bangladesh in a quirky track of Mirpur. The men in Green, however, surprised the Proteas to create history in ODIs.

Historic record for Pakistan

The win in the second ODI helped Pakistan create history. They became the first team in the 21st century to win three ODI series vs South Africa in South Africa. Before the 2024 win, Pakistan had beaten South Africa in 2013 and 2021. The three series wins for Pakistan came in just seven attempts. Australia are the only team other than Pakistan to win three ODI series in South Africa, however, they took 10 attempts.

The series win has given Pakistan great momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in February. The event will be played in a hybrid model, with India playing its matches in Dubai. Pakistan would love to carry the form into the showpiece event and defend their title which they won by defeating India in 2017.

What happened in the match?

The foundation of such a monumental game was laid by two Pakistani veterans- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan with their swashbuckling strokes after the opener Abdullah Shafique fell to yet another duck. Pakistan’s total of 329 all out was set up by Babar (73) and captain Rizwan (80), who put on 115 off 142 balls for the third wicket.

The partnership between Babar and Rizwan turned out to be enough for the Shaheens as they clinched a series-winning 81-run win over South Africa. Meanwhile, Heinrich Klaasen made 97 for South Africa but the hosts were bowled out for 248. Fast bowlers Shaheen Afridi (4/47) and Naseem Shah (3/37) were the main orchestrators of the South African collapse.