Pakistan’s stellar cricket performance continued as they claimed their third consecutive ODI series victory, beating South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI at Newlands, Cape Town. With this win, Pakistan now leads the three-match series 2-0, marking their third ODI series triumph in South Africa after similar successes in 2013 and 2021.
Strong Batting Sets the Tone
Batting first, Pakistan posted a challenging total of 329. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan led from the front with a composed 80 off 82 balls, featuring seven boundaries and three sixes. Babar Azam contributed a steady 73 off 95 balls, his 33rd ODI half-century, while Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63 off just 32 balls, studded with five towering sixes, provided the late surge Pakistan needed.
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Young Saim Ayub (25) and Salman Ali Agha (33) added valuable contributions, ensuring the team maintained momentum throughout the innings. Pakistan’s middle and lower-order partnerships were crucial, with Kamran forming key stands with Salman, Irfan Khan, and Shaheen Afridi.
South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka impressed with figures of 4-72, while Marco Jansen claimed 3-71, restricting Pakistan to 329 with just one ball left in the innings.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Dominate
Chasing 330, South Africa stumbled early, losing wickets at regular intervals. None of their top four batters managed to score beyond 35. Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha combined to claim three wickets, leaving South Africa reeling at 113-4 in just over 21 overs.
Heinrich Klaasen offered resistance with a brilliant 97 off 74 balls, including eight boundaries and four sixes. His partnership with David Miller (29) gave the Proteas hope, but the required run rate kept mounting.
Shaheen Afridi returned for his second spell and struck decisively, removing Miller in the 34th over with a successful review. Shaheen went on to dismiss Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, and Kwena Maphaka, ending with remarkable figures of 4-47. Naseem Shah wrapped up the innings, taking 3-37 as South Africa was bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs.
Key Performers
- Kamran Ghulam: His quick-fire 63 earned him the Player of the Match award.
- Shaheen Afridi: His four-wicket haul dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup.
- Heinrich Klaasen: Despite falling short of a century, his 97 kept South Africa in contention.
Series Overview
This victory marked Pakistan’s third successive ODI series win after defeating Australia and Zimbabwe earlier this year. Their strong batting depth, coupled with an aggressive bowling unit, continues to make them formidable opponents in international cricket.
The third ODI will take place at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on December 22. Pakistan will aim for a clean sweep, while South Africa will look to regain some pride in the final match. Following the ODI series, the two teams will face off in a two-match Test series starting December 26.
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