Pakistan was defeated South Africa 81 runs in the second ODI at Newlands to seal the three-match series. A remarkable performance with both bat and ball maintained the visitors’ lead in the series and left South Africa with much to think about ahead of their final match at The Wanderers.
Great batting by Pakistan
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a total of 329 thanks to contributions from key players. Despite losing opener Abdullah Shafiqi early for a duck, Pakistan steadied Babar Azam’s innings with a 95-ball 73. His refined batting combined with Mohammad Rizwan’s powerful 80 off 82 balls laid a strong foundation.
Kamran Ghulam stole the show with a breathtaking knock of 63 runs off just 32 balls including 4 fours and 5 sixes. His late innings fireworks took Pakistan to a big total.
For South Africa, Kwena Maphaka was the standout player claiming four wickets for 72 runs. Marco Jansen also impressed with figures of 3/71, while Bjorn Fortuin took a wicket.
South Africa’s response is faltering
In reply, South Africa’s chase started poorly, losing Temba Bavuma (12) and Tony de Zorzi (34) relatively early. Heinrich Klaasen was the lone batsman for the Proteas, smashing a 74-ball 97 that included 8 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive batting gave South Africa a glimmer of hope, but a lack of support from other batsmen proved costly.
David Miller added 29 runs off 39 balls while Aiden Markram made 21 off 30 balls. However, the rest of the squad crumbled under the pressure of a steep target. The The Proteas were bowled out just 43.1 times for 248 runs.
Left-arm spinner Shaheen Afridi led Pakistan with a sensational four-wicket haul, conceding just 47 runs in eight overs. Naseem Shah was equally impressive, picking up three wickets for 37 runs. Abrar Ahmed provided important improvements in the middle innings, finishing with figures of 2/48, while Agha Salman added a wicket to his name.
Pakistan cruised to a comprehensive victory over South Africa in Cape Town
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— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 20, 2024
Player of the Match
Kamran Ghulam was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match for his explosive knock that turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour. His ability to speed up the scoring in the death overs proved to be a game changer.
Series overview
With this victory, Pakistan took a 2-0 lead in the series. They earlier won the first ODI by three wickets and their focus is now on the third and final game on Sunday, December 22 at The Wanderers Stadium. South Africa will look to salvage their pride while Pakistan will look to complete a clean sweep.
Pakistan 🇵🇰 in recent ODI cricket:
5th ODI Series wins at Trott
5th ODI Series won against SENA in last 3 and a half years
Defending Champions Cup #PAKvsSA #PAKVSA #SAVPAK pic.twitter.com/cvAskUdQUJ— Encrypted Layman 🍁 (@FreddieFaizaan) December 20, 2024
