Pakistan Secures ODI Series with 81-Run Victory Over South Africa

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A Commanding All-Round Performance

Pakistan clinched the second ODI against South Africa with an emphatic 81-run victory at Newlands, Cape Town. The win sealed the three-match series 2-0 in favor of Pakistan. It was a well-rounded effort, as Pakistan excelled with both bat and ball.

• Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan’s bowling attack with 4-48.
• Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan starred with crucial partnerships.
• Pakistan’s total of 329 proved insurmountable for South Africa.

Pakistan’s Batting Brilliance

Pakistan batted first after losing the toss and posted a strong total of 329 in 49.4 overs. Although opener Abdullah Shafique fell early for a duck, the team recovered well.

• Babar Azam scored a steady 73 runs off 95 balls.
• Mohammad Rizwan added a fluent 80 runs off 82 balls.
• The two shared a vital 115-run partnership for the third wicket.

Pakistan’s middle order ensured momentum. Kamran Ghulam delivered an explosive finish with 63 off just 32 balls, hitting five sixes and four boundaries.

South Africa’s Struggle to Chase

South Africa faced a daunting target of 330 runs. Their openers, Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi, started cautiously, adding 34 runs. However, early breakthroughs by Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed put South Africa on the back foot.

• Rassie van der Dussen scored 23, while Aiden Markram added 21.
• Wickets fell regularly, leaving South Africa reeling at 84-3.
• Heinrich Klaasen stood out with a fighting 97 off 86 balls.

Despite Klaasen’s resistance, the lower order offered little support. David Miller chipped in with 29 runs, but no other batter could build a significant partnership.

Shaheen Afridi Stars with the Ball

Pakistan’s bowlers were relentless. Shaheen Afridi was the standout performer, claiming four crucial wickets. His precise deliveries dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup.

• Naseem Shah provided excellent support, taking 3-47.
• The spinners, led by Abrar Ahmed, maintained pressure in the middle overs.

South Africa was bowled out for 248 in just 43.1 overs, falling 81 runs short of the target.

A Series to Remember

This win marks a significant achievement for Pakistan, as they displayed dominance throughout the series. The team’s performance highlights their readiness for upcoming challenges in international cricket.

Pakistan’s Playing XI:
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa’s Playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Highlights of the Match

• Top Scorers:
• Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (80), Babar Azam (73), Kamran Ghulam (63).
• South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (97), Tony de Zorzi (34).
• Bowling Performances:
• Pakistan: Shaheen Afridi (4-48), Naseem Shah (3-47).
• South Africa: Kwena Maphaka (4-72), Marco Jansen (3-71).
• Key Partnerships:
• Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan added 115 runs for Pakistan.
• Klaasen and David Miller shared a 72-run stand for South Africa.

What’s Next?

The series concludes with the third and final ODI on Sunday at Wanderers. South Africa will aim to salvage some pride in the “Pink Day” match. Meanwhile, Pakistan seeks to maintain their winning streak and secure a clean sweep.