Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd ODI: Proteas Level the Series
After losing their previous five ODIs to Pakistan, South Africa bounced back strongly to avoid a sixth consecutive defeat and secured a dominant eight-wicket victory in the second ODI. This win brought the three-match series to a 1-1 draw.
De Kock’s Century Steers South Africa
Quinton de Kock, returning to form, smashed his first century since rejoining the South African team. His composed innings guided the Proteas to chase down Pakistan’s total with ease.
“Quinton de Kock's first century since his South Africa comeback led the Proteas to an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, levelling the ODI series at 1-1.”
Pakistan’s Early Collapse
Nandre Burger set the tone early for South Africa, dismantling Pakistan’s top order in the opening overs. He dismissed Fakhar Zaman (0), Babar Azam (11), and Mohammad Rizwan (4) within the first five overs, reducing Pakistan to 22-3.
Pakia’s Middle-Order Resistance
Saim Ayub (53) and Salman Ali Agha (69) stitched together a fighting 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steadying Pakistan’s innings for a while. However, Ayub’s dismissal by Corbin Bosch halted their progress.
Mohammad Nawaz contributed a solid 59, but Nqaba Peter (3-55) dismantled the lower order, taking key wickets to restrict Pakistan to 269-9.
South Africa’s Confident Chase
The Proteas made the chase look effortless. Lhuan-dre Pretorius was dropped early by Naseem Shah but later fell for 46. With strong batting from the top order and De Kock’s century, South Africa comfortably reached the target.
Key Performers
- Quinton de Kock – 100+
- Nandre Burger – 4 wickets for 46 runs
- Nqaba Peter – 3 wickets for 55 runs
- Salman Ali Agha – 69 runs (Pakistan’s top scorer)
Author’s summary: South Africa, led by Quinton de Kock’s century and Nandre Burger’s early bursts, crushed Pakistan by eight wickets to level the ODI series at 1-1.