PAK vs. SA (2nd ODI) – Highlights
South Africa continued their dominant run in Pakistan with a clinical performance in the second ODI at Faisalabad, chasing down Pakistan’s total of 269 with ease to win by eight wickets. Pakistan, having set what looked like a competitive score, were undone by a mixture of inconsistent batting and superb South African finishing, highlighted by an unbeaten 123 from Quinton de Kock. The win not only gave South Africa a 2-0 lead in the three-match series but also showcased their depth and ability to chase big totals on subcontinental pitches.
PAK innings began on a worrying note with Fakhar Zaman dismissed for a duck in the very first over. Early wickets continued to plague the hosts as Babar Azam fell cheaply for 11 and Mohammad Rizwan for 4. It was Saim Ayub and Salman Agha who tried to steady the innings, combining aggression and patience, with Ayub scoring a well-made 53 and Agha playing a mature 69. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf added late impetus, especially Nawaz with his 59 from 59 deliveries and Ashraf with a brisk 28 from 18 balls, pushing Pakistan to a total of 269. Despite the fightback, the innings lacked the momentum needed to post a truly challenging target, and the bowling options for Pakistan were left to defend too much ground. Nandre Burger emerged as SA’s hero with the ball, taking four crucial wickets and keeping the scoring under control.
SA’s chase was orchestrated with the precision of a team that has clearly figured out the conditions. Lhuan-dre Pretorius started the innings with authority, scoring 46 off 40 balls before falling to Mohammad Wasim. However, the real masterclass came from Quinton de Kock and Tony de Zorzi, who combined for a 153-run partnership that effectively sealed the match. De Kock’s unbeaten 123 came off 119 balls, punctuated by eight boundaries and seven sixes, showcasing his ability to rotate the strike and punish anything loose. Tony de Zorzi, scoring 76 from 63 deliveries, complemented the captain’s efforts perfectly, ensuring that the required run rate never climbed beyond reach. By the 41st over, South Africa had reached the target, winning with 59 balls to spare, a testament to their dominance and intent.
PAK’s bowling, which had moments of promise, struggled to find consistency against the powerful South African batting. Nandre Burger’s four wickets were the only real threat to unsettle the hosts, while Corbin Bosch chipped in with two wickets. The rest of the attack was taken apart, with extra runs proving costly, and the pressure of the chase never mounting. Fielding lapses also contributed to the ease with which South Africa reached their target, highlighting areas Pakistan must address if they hope to salvage the series in the final match.
Pakistan vs. South Africa Scoreboard
Pakistan – 269/9 (50)
South Africa – 270/2 (40.1)
Result – South Africa won by 8 wickets (with 59 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock
PAK vs. SA Playing Eleven
Pakistan | Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim, Naseem Shah |
South Africa | Matthew Breetzke (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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