Pakistan secured an 81-run victory over South Africa in the second one-day international at Newlands on Thursday, taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (80) were the key players for Pakistan, putting together a solid 115-run partnership for the third wicket. Their total of 329 all out was built on their steady batting.
South Africa fought back with Heinrich Klaasen scoring a valiant 97, but they were eventually bowled out for 248. Shaheen Afridi (four wickets for 47 runs) and Naseem Shah (three wickets for 37 runs) were the standout bowlers for Pakistan.
This win made Pakistan the first team in the 21st century to win three ODI series in South Africa. It was their fifth consecutive series win and the third one in the southern hemisphere this season, following victories in Australia and Zimbabwe.
“It’s a team effort, and every player has contributed from start to finish,” said Rizwan after the match.
Babar and Rizwan, both experienced players with a combined total of 204 one-day caps, set a strong foundation with their careful batting. Babar was dismissed for 73 when the score was 192 in the 33rd over. Rizwan was out three overs later, caught in a spectacular diving effort by 18-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka.
The stage was set for some aggressive hitting, and Kamran Ghulam delivered with a quick-fire 63 off just 32 balls, including five sixes.
South Africa’s batsmen scored at a faster rate than Pakistan for most of their innings, but while all of their top six made starts, only Klaasen managed to put up a big score. Klaasen, who had made 86 in the first match, hit eight fours and four sixes from 74 balls before he was caught at deep midwicket to end South Africa’s chase.
