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Match Report:

Scorecard

Pakistan scrape home in last-ball thriller

South Africa almost defend three runs in the final over as Babar Azam and Rassie van der Dussen both post centuries

Babar Azam's century set up Pakistan's three-wicket victory over South Africa in the first one-day international, but the tourists still needed to scramble a run from the final ball to win.

The Pakistan captain hit 103 from 104 balls and his team were cruising at 1-186 at SuperSport Park after South Africa, carried by their own century-maker Rassie van der Dussen, scored 6-273 from their 50 overs.

But Azam's dismissal sparked a slump as Pakistan lost four wickets for 17 runs, all of them to fast bowler Anrich Nortje.

Image Id: EA5512703BC74474A0BA2150C1003B7B Image Caption: Babar Azam was the hero for Pakistan // Getty

Still, Pakistan were left only needing three runs off the final over but Shadab Khan (33) fell to the first ball and South Africa seamer Andile Phehlukwayo bowled another three dot balls to heighten the tension.

Faheem Ashraf finally made contact off the fifth ball with a chip over the bowler's head for two. 

He then flicked the final ball of the game through the covers for a single to reach 7-274 and put Pakistan 1-0 up in the three-game series.

Azam produced the game-winning innings and was supported by 70 from opener Imam-ul-Haq as they shared a fabulous partnership of 177 for the second wicket.

Nortje's burst of four wickets threatened to undo their good work as Pakistan slipped to 5-203.

Mohammad Rizwan led the recovery with his 40, and Shadab's contribution at the end was also vital.

Earlier, Pakistan had put South Africa in to bat and made instant progress to have the home team struggling at 4-55.

South Africa's innings was rescued by 123 not out from van der Dussen and 50 by David Miller but the Proteas' total still felt below par.

South Africa were being led by new limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma for the first time. 

The 30-year-old, who scored only one, made history as the first Black African to be appointed captain of a South Africa national team.

Don't miss The Heat Repeat on Foxtel, coming April 7. The two-part documentary will also be shown on Kayo and cricket.com.au.