Pakistan beat South Africa by 3 wickets in a thriller in the first ODI to go 1-0 up in the series. Saim Ayub's sublime 109 and Salman Agha's all-round brilliance helped Pakistan get this victory. Agha shone with the ball earlier, picking up a four-fer and then smashed a coolheaded 82* off 90 to help his side get to the target.

Salman Agha shone both with bat and ball to help his side get this narrow win. 
Opting to bat first, South Africa started superbly as their openers added a quick-fire 70 runs inside 10 overs before Salman Agha pinned Tony de Zorzi for LBW on 33 off 25 balls. Salman Agha then knocked over Rassie Van Der Dussen on 8 off 14 balls. Ryan Rickelton too departed after his well made 36 off 38 balls.

Wickets were falling in a cluster as Pakistan were chipping away at regular intervals. However, Heinrich Klaasen stood tall and scored a superb 86 off 97 deliveries to help his side get to a comfortable total of 239 on the board.

Salman Agha was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed a four wicket haul.

In reply, Pakistan lost their first four wickets inside only 60 runs, including their biggest wickets Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. But youngster Saim Ayub and all-rounder Agha Salman got together to steady the innings. Once they got their eyes in, they started to smashing boundaries at their will.

The 141-run stand between Ayub and Salman put Pakistan in front byt Kagiso Rabada's double-wicket over brought the Proteas back into the game once again.

Saim Ayub departed after scoring 109 as Salman Agha was losing partners. However, he showed his cool head and steered Pakistan home having Naseem Shah with him. Salman Agha remained unbeaten on 82* off 90 balls as Pakistan went 1-0 in the series.