Shaheen Afridi Leads Pakistan to 1–0 Series Lead, Calls Maiden ODI Win “Nothing Special”

Shaheen Shah Afridi marked his debut as Pakistan's ODI captain with a thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa in the series opener on November 4, 2025, at Iqbal Stadium, downplaying the milestone with characteristic nonchalance amid mounting expectations for his leadership. The 25-year-old pace spearhead, who succeeded Mohammad Rizwan in the role just ahead of the tour, guided his side to chase down 264 in 49.4 overs, thanks to gritty half-centuries from Salman Agha (62 off 71) and Rizwan (55 off 74), sealing a 1-0 lead in the three-match rubber. Afridi's composed demeanour post-match—dismissing the win as "nothing special"—reflected his focus on team process over personal fanfare, a trait honed during his rapid rise from domestic prodigy to international enforcer since his 2018 debut.

The chase unfolded on a tricky surface offering seam movement and turn, testing Pakistan's resolve after early jolts from South Africa's bowlers. Openers Saim Ayub (39 off 42) and Fakhar Zaman (45 off 57) laid a solid platform with a 70-run stand, but the middle order wobbled under pressure from Lungi Ngidi (2/46), Donovan Ferreira (2/53), and Corbin Bosch (2/32), who struck crucial blows to leave Pakistan at 200/7. Enter Agha and Rizwan, whose 80-run partnership steered the ship home, blending watchful defence with timely boundaries—Rizwan's six fours underscoring his adaptability, while Agha's lone six provided the finishing flourish. Hussain Talat's quickfire 22 off 25 added impetus, but the late drama Afridi referenced nearly derailed the effort, highlighting the Proteas' fightback in a contest that echoed Pakistan's storied history of improbable ODI heists.

South Africa's innings set a competitive tone, amassing 263 all out in 49.1 overs after being sent in, powered by a top-order resurgence on a pitch assisting Pakistan's seam attack. Quinton de Kock's fluent 63 off 71 anchored the reply, complemented by Lhuan-dre Pretorius's 57 off 60 and captain Temba Bavuma's 42 off 54 (noted as Breetzke in initial reports, likely a scorecard variance), while Corbin Bosch chipped in with 41 off 40 to push the total. Pakistan's bowlers struck back relentlessly: Naseem Shah's incisive 3/40 dismantled the openers, Abrar Ahmed's leg-spin yielded 3/53, including key middle-order scalps, and Saim Ayub's part-time medium pace surprised with 2/39. Shaheen himself snared 1/55 in a full 10-over spell, and Mohammad Nawaz (1/45) mopped up, ensuring the visitors folded in the final over—a testament to the hosts' depth in white-ball cricket post their 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final heartbreak.

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Afridi's understated reaction—"It was a normal game for me. Nothing special"—at the presentation belied the significance of his first command, especially after a turbulent transition following Babar Azam's T20I ouster and Rizwan's white-ball shift. He lavished praise on the batters for mastering conditions that swung dramatically in the second innings, adding, "Credit to our batters... They batted really well on a tough surface," while acknowledging the electric crowd support in Faisalabad, hosting international cricket after a prolonged hiatus. The win injects momentum into a Pakistan side rebuilding under new management, with Afridi's dual role as captain and strike bowler drawing parallels to Wasim Akram's era—though his bold declaration signals a no-frills approach amid scrutiny over team selection and form dips.

With the second ODI slated for November 6 at the same venue, South Africa will seek swift retaliation, potentially leaning on spinners George Linde (1/49) and Bjorn Fortuin (1/38) to exploit any complacency. For Pakistan, maintaining the all-round balance—evident in Ayub's bowling cameo—will be key to clinching a morale-boosting series sweep before tougher assignments like the Champions Trophy. Afridi's reign begins not with fireworks, but with quiet assurance, a fitting start for a leader who thrives on the edge without seeking the spotlight.

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