Pakistan Clinch ODI Series Against South Africa with Dominant Victory

Pakistan secured the ODI series against South Africa with one match to spare, defeating the hosts by a commanding 81 runs in the second ODI. Chasing a massive target of 330 set by Pakistan, South Africa were bowled out for 248.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first at Cape Town, South Africa saw Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique dismissed for a duck. Fellow opener Saim Ayub, in excellent form, managed 25 runs before departing. The backbone of Pakistan’s innings came from a 115-run third-wicket partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Babar scored a fluent 73 off 70 balls, hitting seven fours.

Rizwan contributed 80 off 82 balls, including seven boundaries and three sixes. Kamran Ghulam then provided the late fireworks with a blistering 63 off 32 balls, accelerating Pakistan’s innings despite regular wickets falling. Pakistan were bowled out for 329 with one ball to spare.

For South Africa, Quina Mafaka claimed four wickets, while Marco Jansen picked up three.

Chasing 330, South Africa stumbled early, losing three wickets for 84 runs. Tony de Zorzi managed 34, and Rassie van der Dussen added 23. Heinrich Klaasen attempted to anchor the innings with a valiant knock, sharing a 72-run partnership with David Miller, who scored 29.

Klaasen narrowly missed out on a century, falling for 97 off 74 balls, including eight fours and four sixes, as he edged a delivery from Naseem Shah. Following his dismissal, South Africa’s batting collapsed, and they were bowled out for 248 in 43.1 overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi led the Pakistani bowling attack with four wickets, while Naseem Shah claimed three. Kamran Ghulam, for his explosive innings, was named Player of the Match.

The third and final ODI will take place on December 22. Pakistan’s tour of South Africa will conclude with two Test matches, scheduled for December 26 and January 3, 2025.