Rizwan, Agha Break Records in Pakistan’s Historic ODI Win: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha etched their names into cricket history with a monumental 260-run partnership for the fourth wicket against South Africa in Karachi. This remarkable stand not only secured Pakistan’s place in the final of the 2025 ODI tri-series against New Zealand but also marked the highest successful run chase in the nation’s ODI history.
Chasing a daunting target of 353 runs, Pakistan’s Men in Green achieved the unthinkable, surpassing their previous best chase of 349 against Australia in 2022. This victory was particularly significant as it was the first time Pakistan successfully chased a total exceeding 350 runs in ODI cricket. The win also saw Pakistan break a 23-year-old record held by Australia, who had chased down 327 against South Africa in Gqeberha.
Rizwan and Agha’s partnership was nothing short of extraordinary. Coming together at a crucial juncture, the duo displayed exceptional composure and aggression, steering Pakistan to a memorable six-wicket victory. Their 260-run stand is now the highest partnership for the fourth wicket or below in ODI history while chasing. This feat also marks the first instance of a pair registering a partnership of over 250 runs in the second innings of an ODI for the fourth wicket or below.
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The partnership between Rizwan and Agha is the fourth-highest in ODI cricket history for the fourth wicket or below, trailing only Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja’s 275-run stand against Zimbabwe in 1998 and Grant Elliot and Luke Ronchi’s 267-run partnership against Sri Lanka in 2015. Additionally, it ranks as the fourth-highest partnership in a run chase in ODI history, behind Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga (286 runs), Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock (282 runs), and Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra (273 runs).
For Pakistan, this partnership is a landmark achievement. It is the highest fourth-wicket or below partnership by a Pakistani pair in ODIs and only the third instance of a 200-plus stand in such scenarios. The previous two instances include Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s 228-run partnership against Nepal in 2023 and Mohammad Yusuf and Shoaib Malik’s 206-run stand against India in 2009.
Rizwan and Agha’s heroics have not only secured Pakistan’s place in the tri-series final but have also reignited hopes of a resurgence in the team’s ODI fortunes. Their record-breaking performance is a testament to their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that will be crucial as they prepare to face New Zealand in the final.
As Pakistan celebrates this historic victory, the focus now shifts to the upcoming final, where Rizwan, Agha, and the rest of the team will look to continue their winning momentum and clinch the tri-series title. This remarkable chase will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Pakistan’s cricketing history, inspiring future generations to dream big and achieve the impossible.
