'Instantly iconic': PM, cricket fraternity heap praise on Pakistan's historic win

Pakistan recorded a six-wicket win against South Africa in the eliminatory match of the ongoing Tri-Nation Series on Wednesday after skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha established a record partnership of 260 runs and got their team a spot in the final of the series. 

The stand was only broken when Agha was removed by Lungi Ngidi in the penultimate over of the innings but the side managed to claim victory as they chased a mammoth 353-run target at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi at the loss of four wickets and six balls to spare. 

The win and the duo's highest partnership in an ODI run chase has garnered the attention and praise of fans, the prime minister and the chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to X and posted his congratulatory message to the team. 

"Well played team Pakistan! An important boost ahead of the Champions Trophy. The team’s morale is high. Well done team Pakistan Kudos to team management and Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi," the PM wrote. 

Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi congratulated Pakistan on the astounding win against the Proteas saying that the "Pakistani players played magnificently and chased down a tough target". He added that the players have blessed the nation with happiness with this win and by qualifying for the series final.

He went on to laud Rizwan and Agha for stepping up when the team needed them saying that the wicketkeeper-batter literally played a captain's innings and commended the vice-captain's innings of 134 runs. 

ESPN's Cricinfo also hailed the win and regarded Rizwan-Agha's performance as "instantly iconic" on their X handle. 

Pacer Rumman Raees, who debuted against England in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2017 and mesmerised everyone with his ability to step up and perform in a big match, regarded the win as an "unbelievable performance". 

Renowned pacer Junaid Khan, widely and famously known for his spell in an ODI series against India in 2012, also congratulated the team and noted that "mature batting leads to such victories". 

While the official account of the Pakistan Cricket on X stated that the city of Karachi "witnessed history today" as the side registered a "memorable chase". 

Cricket enthusiasts from across the border also couldn't help but applaud the team as one wrote on X "Exceptional effort from captain Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha". 

Moreover, another fan noted that all of the cricket teams belonging to the subcontinent have won by big margins against big teams before the commencement of the highly-anticipated ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025. 

Pakistan is now scheduled to face New Zealand on Friday (February 14) for the final of the Tri-Nation series at National Bank Stadium as teams are gearing up for the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19 where the Green Shirts and the Kiwis will again lock horns in Karachi for the opening game of the mega event.