SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: All-Round Pakistan Hand South Africa 81-Run Defeat To Clinch Series In Cape Town

SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: All-round effort by Pakistan ensured the visitors a 81-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI of the series, as they gain an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stitched a brilliant 115-run third wicket partnership as Babar scored his first half-century in 22 innings.

Source : X/ @TheRealPCB

SA vs PAK 2nd ODI: Pakistan defeated South Africa by 81 runs in the second match of the SA vs PAK ODI series at the Newlands, Cape Town on December 19 (Thursday). With the win, Pakistan sealed the three-match series by gaining an unassailable 2-0 lead over the Proteas, with one ODI still to go. Pakistan batters, including Babar Azam, set a good tone for Pakistan with the star pace duo of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah delivering with the ball later. This comes as Pakistan’s third successive series victory in ODI cricket.

Temba Bavuma, the South Africa captain, won the toss and opted to field first. South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayo struck in the very first over to dismiss Abdullah Shafique for a duck and provided the hosts with a crucial early breakthrough. Babar Azam and Saim Ayub stitched a 48-run partnership before Ayub fell to Kwena Maphaka. 

Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan Put Together 115-Run Stand

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stitched a brilliant 115-run third wicket partnership as Babar scored his first half-century in 22 innings. Babar scored 73 while Rizwan contributed with 80 runs. However, it was Kamran Ghulam who injected Pakistan with quick runs as he played a sensational 32-ball 63 runs knock, helping Pakistan post a strong score of 329-10 in 49.5 overs.

South Africa began the chase with caution but could never get a partnership going long enough. Heinrich Klaasen was the lone hero with a 74-ball 97 runs knock while none of the other batters could cross the 40-run mark. 

Shaheen Afridi was at his lethal best as he ended up with figures of 4-47 in 8 overs, while Naseem Shah also contributed with three wickets giving away just 37 runs in 8.1 overs. Abrar Ahmed claimed two wickets while Salman Agha settled with one scalp in the bowling department. 

South Africa will aim for a consolation win as both teams will meet for the third ODI at the The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on December 22 (Sunday).