Pakistan clinched a decisive 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI at Newlands, Cape Town, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan set a formidable target of 329, thanks to a solid batting performance led by Mohammad Rizwan (80) and Babar Azam (73), with Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63 off just 32 balls amplifying the total.
Shaheen Afridi celebrates (Pic – Supplied)
South Africa, chasing down the daunting score, started positively with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi putting on a brisk 34-run opening stand.
However, the early promise was undone when Shaheen Afridi, returning from injury, showcased his class by claiming four crucial wickets for 47 runs.
His spell was pivotal in dismantling the South African lineup, which struggled to keep pace with the required run rate.
The Proteas’ innings revolved around Heinrich Klaasen, who played a valiant knock of 97, but with little support from the other end, his efforts weren’t enough to steer his team to victory.
South Africa’s middle order was stifled by the spin of Agha Salman and Abrar Ahmad, who effectively choked the run flow, leading to key dismissals including Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram.
The tail-end saw little resistance as Naseem Shah complemented Afridi’s efforts with three wickets of his own. Despite Klaasen’s near-century, South Africa was bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs, sealing Pakistan’s series victory with a match to spare.
This match was not just about individual brilliance but also about strategic gameplay, where Pakistan managed their resources better, both with bat and ball.
South Africa, while showing moments of brilliance, particularly with the ball through Kwena Maphaka (4-72) and Marco Jansen (3-71), couldn’t capitalize in key moments, leading to their downfall.
Brief Scores
Pakistan:
- 329/10 in 49.5 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 80, Babar Azam 73, Kamran Ghulam 63; Kwena Maphaka 4-72, Marco Jansen 3-71)
South Africa:
- 248 all out in 43.1 overs (Heinrich Klaasen 97, Tony de Zorzi 34; Shaheen Afridi 4-47, Naseem Shah 3-37)
Pakistan’s win not only secures the series but also underscores their resurgence in ODI cricket, making them a formidable force as they move forward in International Cricket.
