The Pakistan cricket team has maintained its impressive ODI performance on foreign soil. While it might seem surprising that a team that often struggles even against smaller sides managed to defeat Australia in an ODI series on Australian soil a few days ago, with Haris Rauf delivering exceptional bowling performances, this time, they emerged victorious against South Africa in their own backyard. On Thursday, Pakistan won the second ODI by 81 runs, securing the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead. The third and final match of the series is scheduled for Sunday.
On Thursday, in Cape Town, Pakistan batted first after South African captain Temba Bavuma opted to bowl. Pakistan lost opener Abdullah Shafique early, but former captain Babar Azam anchored the innings, scoring 73 runs off 95 balls. Following the dismissal of Ayub for 25 runs, captain and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan took the crease.
Rizwan played a brilliant knock of 80 runs off 82 balls, forming a crucial 115-run partnership with Babar Azam, propelling Pakistan towards a big total. Later, Kamran Ghulam, who replaced Babar Azam in the Test squad for the England series, showcased his prowess, scoring 63 runs off just 32 balls. Pakistan posted a total of 329 runs before being bowled out.
Chasing a target of 330 runs, the South African batters failed to show the patience and determination expected by their coach. Captain and opener Temba Bavuma was dismissed for 12 runs. Tony de Zorzi scored 34 runs, Rassie van der Dussen managed 23, and Aiden Markram contributed 21. The only notable resistance came from middle-order batter Heinrich Klaasen, who played a stunning knock of 97 runs off 74 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes. However, it wasn’t enough to save the team. David Miller scored 29 runs, and South Africa was eventually bowled out for 248 runs.
With the ball, Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah delivered standout performances. Afridi took 4 wickets for 47 runs in 8 overs, while Naseem Shah claimed 3 wickets for 37 runs in his 8 overs. Abrar Ahmed picked up 2 wickets. However, Kamran Ghulam was named Player of the Match for his explosive 63-run innings off 32 balls.
