CAPE TOWN: Pakistan delivered a clinical all-round performance to won the second ODI by 81-run against South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground on Thursday and secured the three-match series 2-0.
Defending a daunting target of 330 runs, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, dismantled the South African batting order.
The hosts were bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs. Shaheen starred with figures of 4-48, while Naseem chipped in with three crucial wickets, adding to South Africa’s woes.
South Africa began their chase cautiously, with captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi sharing a steady opening stand of 34 runs. However, Naseem Shah struck early, removing Bavuma for 18. Abrar Ahmed then bowled de Zorzi for 34, leaving South Africa at 74-2.
Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram attempted to rebuild, but their efforts fell short as Salman Agha dismissed van der Dussen for 23, and Markram followed soon after for 21. With South Africa struggling at 84-3, the pressure mounted on their middle order.
Heinrich Klaasen’s Resistance
Heinrich Klaasen emerged as South Africa’s standout batter, crafting a valiant 97 off 86 balls. His knock, laced with 11 boundaries and three sixes, kept South Africa’s hopes alive.
Klaasen found support from David Miller, who contributed 29 runs in a crucial 72-run partnership. However, Shaheen Afridi broke the stand, dismissing Miller in the 34th over.
The lower order offered little resistance, with Marco Jansen and Andile Phehlukwayo falling in quick succession. Shaheen returned to clean up the tail, sealing Pakistan’s emphatic victory.
Pakistan’s Dominant Batting Display
Earlier, after being put into bat, Pakistan posted an imposing total of 329 all out in 49.4 overs. Despite losing Abdullah Shafique for a duck early, the Men in Green bounced back with significant contributions from their top and middle order.
Babar Azam anchored the innings with a cautious 73 off 95 balls, while captain Mohammad Rizwan played a fluent 80 off 82 deliveries. The duo added 115 runs for the third wicket.
Explosive Finish by Kamran Ghulam
In the death overs, Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63 off just 32 balls turned the tide decisively in Pakistan’s favour. Ghulam smashed four boundaries and five towering sixes, taking the South African bowlers to task. Salman Agha added a quick 33 off 30 balls.
Despite a lower-order collapse, Pakistan’s total proved too steep for the Proteas to chase. South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan, with Kwena Maphaka claiming 4-72 and Marco Jansen taking 3-71.
Scorecard Summary
Pakistan: 329 all out in 49.4 overs (Rizwan 80, Babar 73, Kamran 63; Maphaka 4-72, Jansen 3-71)
South Africa: 248 all out in 43.1 overs (Klaasen 97, de Zorzi 34; Shaheen 4-48, Naseem 3-47)
Pakistan Playing XI
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w/c), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa Playing XI
Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi
