Rizwan-Klaasen On-Field Clash: Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa with an 81-run victory in the second ODI on Thursday in Cape Town. Babar Azam returned in form with a fine fifty while skipper Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam too contributed with fifties. Star Pakistani bowling duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Sham combinedly took seven wickets to help Pakistan seal the series. However, what also attracted attention was a heated on-field exchange involving Rizwan and South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen.
Rizwan and Heinrich Klaasen were involved in a heated exchange during SA vs PAK 2nd ODI. The drama unfolded after the 26th over, bowled by Haris Rauf. It began with Haris Rauf delivering the final ball of the over and seemingly saying something to Klaasen, which upset the South African batter. The umpires quickly intervened, urging the players to focus on the game. However, Rizwan then became involved, engaging in a lively discussion with Klaasen, even pointing his finger at him. Klaasen too was not backing down but Babar Azam quickly ran over to try and diffuse the argument. Haris Rauf also seemingly approached the duo, but Babar asked him to step back. The situation soon de-escalated and play resumed without further incident.
Watch Klaasen and Rizwan’s on-field altercation here:
All-Round Pakistan Clinch Three-Match ODI Series
Pakistan defeated South Africa by 81 runs in the second ODI of the series, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead. Pakistan posted 329/10, with Babar Azam (73) and Mohammad Rizwan (80) leading the charge, while Kamran Ghulam played a blistering 63 off 32 balls. In response, South Africa's chase faltered, with Heinrich Klaasen's 97 off 74 balls being the lone standout performance. Shaheen Afridi starred with the ball, taking 4/47, supported by Naseem Shah (3/37). South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to avoid a clean-sweep in the third ODI on December 22.