Proteas go down in the last over against Pakistan in opening ODI in Paarl

Ayub finished on 109 while Salman Agha struck and unbeaten 82 as Pakistan recovered from 60-4 to chase down their target of 240 with only three balls to spare.

The visiting duo added 141 for the fifth wicket to provide the cornerstone of the run-chase as the Proteas fought until the bitter end but ultimately could not land the knockout punch.

Ottneil Baartman (2-37) had initially put the Proteas in firm control with the ball as the seamer took the wickets of experienced duo Babar Azam (2) and Mohammad Rizwan (1) to knock the tourists back.

Earlier, Heinrich Klaasen struck 86 from 97 balls as the Proteas posted a total of 239-9 in their 50 overs after stand-in captain Aiden Markram had won the toss and elected to bat.

The home side got off to a good start when openers Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi added 70 in the first 10 overs but Pakistan spinner Salman Agha put the brakes with four wickets.

Agha (4-32) first bowled Rickelton for 36 before trapping De Zorzi for 33 while Rassie van der Dussen and Tristan Stubbs did not last long as the Proteas slipped to 88-4.

Markram and Klaasen then combined for a 73-run stand before the skipper lost his wicket then Marco Jansen joined the wicketkeeper-batter for a 50-run partnership.

Once Klaasen's wicket fell with more than five overs of the innings remaining, the hosts struggled to gain any momentum in the closing stages and they eventually settled for a below-par total of under 240.

The Proteas now need to win t he second ODI at Newlands to stay in the series before the final match takes place at the Wanderers on Sunday.

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