Faisalabad saw an exciting comeback of international cricket as Pakistan beat South Africa by two wickets in a tense last-over finish taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series on Tuesday. The victory came at the famous Iqbal Stadium which hosted an international game for the first time in 17 years the last one being in April 2008. How was Pakistans performance in the match? Shaheen Shah Afridi began his first match as Pakistan’s ODI captain in style taking over the role from Mohammad Rizwan. Pakistan stayed calm while chasing a target of 264 in a close match. Openers Fakhar Zaman (45) and Saim Ayub (39) gave the team a strong beginning with an 87-run partnership. However South Africa bounced back as Donovan Ferreira and Bjorn Fortuin took quick wickets leaving Pakistan at 105 for three. After that Mohammad Rizwan (55) and Salman Agha (62) steadied the innings with a steady 91-run stand bringing Pakistan close to the target. When it looked like an easy win for Pakistan South Africa hit back as Lungi Ngidi (2/46) and Corbin Bosch (2/32) took key wickets adding tension to the chase. With eight wickets down and only two balls left captain Shaheen Shah Afridi (4*) and Naseem Shah stayed calm and guided Pakistan to 264/8 for a thrilling win. How was South Africas game? South Africa scored a strong total of 263 runs in 49.1 overs thanks to Quinton de Kock’s 63 and Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ 57. The duo added 98 runs for the opening stand before Pakistan’s bowlers made a comeback. Abrar Ahmed (3/53) and Saim Ayub (2/39) broke key partnerships while Naseem Shah (3/40) took important wickets near the end to slow South Africa’s momentum. The match went back and forth keeping the Faisalabad crowd thrilled throughout. For Pakistan it was a night filled with determination patience and joy as international cricket finally returned to the city after almost 20 years. The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the series and made Iqbal Stadium’s comeback truly memorable.