South Africa Down Pakistan in 2nd ODI to Level Series
In the second ODI at Faisalabad, Pakistan posted a competitive 269 runs, powered by career-best 59 from Mohammad Nawaz and half-centuries from Saim Ayub and Salman Agha. Despite this, South Africa chased the total successfully and won by 8 wickets, leveling the three-match series 1-1.
Pakistan’s Innings Highlights
- Mohammad Nawaz's aggressive 59 helped push Pakistan beyond 260 in the final overs.
- Saim Ayub and Salman Agha built a solid 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
- Pakistan struggled at 131/5 after 30 overs but regained momentum thanks to Nawaz's late hitting.
South Africa’s Bowling Performance
Despite conceding 269 runs, South African bowlers showed strong spells:
- Nandre Burger took career-best figures of 4/46.
- Nqabayomzi Peter claimed 3/55, also a career-best, after being rested in the first game.
- Corbin Bosch, Donovan Ferreira, and Bjorn Fortuin maintained economical rates under six runs per over.
- South Africa struck early with Fakhar Zaman dismissed by Burger’s short ball, leading to early pressure.
South Africa’s Batting Response
Quinton de Kock starred with a brilliant century, leading South Africa’s comfortable chase:
Quinton de Kock scored a brilliant century as South Africa beat Pakistan in the 2nd ODI to level the three-match series 1-1.
South Africa’s middle-order capitalized on a shaky Pakistani bowling attack, securing victory with ease.
Key Moments
- Burger’s quick three wickets put Pakistan under severe pressure at 22/3.
- Ayub and Agha initially steadied the innings, but the early breakthroughs set the tone for South Africa.
Stat Summary
- Pakistan total: 269 runs.
- South Africa victory margin: 8 wickets.
- Series score level: 1-1 after two matches.
Despite conceding 269 runs, South Africa's bowlers had their moments. Nandre Burger and Nqabayomzi Peter claimed career-best figures of 4/46 and 3/55 respectively.
Author’s summary: South Africa’s balanced bowling and Quinton de Kock’s century fueled a strong chase, allowing them to overcome Pakistan’s competitive 269 and even up the series.